The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has defended the unique financing agreement for Catalonia, agreed upon with ERC, stating that Catalonia does not want to be above anyone, but also does not want to be below anyone. Illa made these remarks during a session in the Parliament of Catalonia to report on the new Government configuration. He emphasized that his government will honor the agreements reached with ERC and with the Comuns, despite any difficulties that may arise. Illa acknowledged that there has been controversy surrounding the financing issue, with criticism both within Catalonia and outside of it.
Illa’s comments come in response to recent statements by the President of the Madrid region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who accused the new financing system of seeking to break up Spain and causing grievances among other regions, implying a return to the events of October 1, 2017. Illa countered by asserting that the agreement on unique financing for Catalonia has been carefully thought out and discussed, and that his government will work diligently to fulfill the terms of the investiture agreements. He emphasized the importance of patience and methodical work in achieving these goals, despite the potential challenges that may arise.
The new government led by Illa has only been in operation for a few weeks, but has already faced criticism and opposition regarding the issue of financing. Illa expressed his commitment to upholding the agreements made with ERC and the Comuns, acknowledging that fulfilling them may be challenging. He emphasized the need for calm and deliberate efforts to ensure the implementation of the investiture agreements, underscoring the importance of fulfilling Catalonia’s unique financing arrangement within the constitutional framework.
Illa’s stance on the unique financing for Catalonia reflects a desire to balance the region’s interests without straying into extreme positions. He reiterated Catalonia’s commitment to abiding by the agreements made with ERC and the Comuns, despite external criticism and challenges. Illa’s government has made it a priority to work towards fulfilling the terms of the investiture agreements, aiming to navigate through potential obstacles with patience and a methodical approach. The controversy surrounding the financing issue underscores the complex political landscape in which Catalonia operates, with differing perspectives on the region’s financial arrangements.
