The vice-secretary general of the PSOE and first vice president of the Government, María Jesús Montero, recently explained the agreement between ERC and the PSC that allowed Salvador Illa to become president of the Generalitat of Catalonia. This agreement will establish a unique fiscal system for Catalonia, allowing it to collect all taxes and ensuring that it receives at least as much as it contributes to the national budget. Montero and Juan Espadas, the secretary general of the PSOE in Andalusia, emphasized that this is not the same as the fiscal pact in Basque Country, although some critics have raised concerns about the implications for other regions, including Asturias and Castilla-La Mancha.
The PSOE has faced backlash from both PP-governed communities and its own constituents over the Catalonia fiscal agreement. However, in Andalusia, the largest regional federation of the PSOE, Juan Espadas has expressed full support for the agreement and emphasized the need for similar levels of self-government in Andalusia as in Catalonia. Montero defended the government’s support for Catalonia and the success of its political strategy, even when facing criticism from within the party. She urged Andalusian members of parliament to read the Catalonia agreement and compare it to the Andalusian Statute of Autonomy, highlighting similarities in principles.
Montero criticized the lack of understanding and misinterpretation of the agreement by some politicians, accusing them of using the Catalonia issue for political confrontation rather than seeking common ground. She highlighted the historical context of unique fiscal arrangements for regions like Canarias and Baleares, emphasizing the need to find a balance between common goals and regional particularities. In the past, Montero was involved in negotiations for a new financing system for Andalusia, which received bipartisan support but was not fully implemented due to the change in government. Espadas now advocates for a fair financing system for Andalusia, criticizing the current administration for missed opportunities.
Only Susana Díaz, former president of the Junta de Andalucía, intervened in the discussion, praising a previous agreement in the Andalusian Parliament that was different from the current Catalonia agreement. Díaz is less involved in internal party meetings, but she defended the previous agreement and highlighted its differences from the current situation with ERC. The debate within the PSOE and its regional federations reflects broader tensions around regional autonomy, fiscal policy, and party unity. As the discussion continues, the party faces challenges in balancing the interests of different regions and maintaining cohesion in a complex political landscape.
Overall, the PSOE leadership in Andalusia has expressed support for the Catalonia fiscal agreement while addressing concerns within the party and in other regions. Montero and Espadas have emphasized the need for a fair fiscal system that respects the individual needs of each region while promoting solidarity and unity within Spain. The discussion highlights the complexities of regional autonomy and fiscal policy, as well as the challenges of navigating political alliances and internal divisions within a major political party like the PSOE. As the debate continues, the party will need to find a balance between regional interests and national cohesion, setting the stage for future negotiations and policy decisions.
