The political situation in Andalusia has been characterized by confrontation for the past three decades. The goal of convergence with the rest of Spain and Europe remains a long-term ambition, with some progress being made, but differences persist. The blame for everything, regardless of who is in power, is placed on the lack of funding from the Spanish government. This issue has come to the forefront during the current debate on potentially reforming a model that became outdated 10 years ago, with calls from Catalan separatist forces for a separate fiscal system. Andalusian President Juan Manuel Moreno has once again emphasized the need to resist the “mistreatment of Andalusia.”
Moreno has highlighted the financial challenges faced by Andalusia, stating that the region has “lost” 1.5 billion euros per year since 2009, totaling 20 billion euros. He has pointed out missed opportunities for convergence in areas such as healthcare, education, dependency, and housing, attributing these shortcomings to the State. Moreno has called for a united front among the five parliamentary groups in the Andalusian Parliament to prevent a future where Andalusians lose out due to a Spain of two different speeds. This call for unity has been extended to all Andalusians, emphasizing the need to resist being sidelined in decisions that could impact the region’s future.
Moreno has criticized the perceived hostility of the Pedro Sánchez government towards Andalusia, insinuating that the central government is acting against the region because of political differences. He has also referenced the ongoing ERE case, noting the government’s efforts to recover misappropriated funds and emphasizing the importance of transparency in their administration. The President has focused on defending his government’s actions in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, steering clear of controversial topics like the Doñana crisis.
In the realm of healthcare, Moreno has defended his government’s record, citing increased investments and infrastructure in the sector. He has attributed existing challenges to factors like an aging population and a shortage of medical professionals, calling on the central government to prioritize healthcare and work towards a national pact. The President has also announced initiatives such as the establishment of the “Andalusian Women Leaders Forum” to promote gender equality and the creation of a Center for Artificial Intelligence in Granada. Additionally, Moreno has confirmed plans for a youth employment program and cultural events to showcase Andalusia’s heritage.
Despite ongoing debates about tourism policies, Moreno has downplayed the issue, urging against demonizing an industry that contributes significantly to the region’s economy. While acknowledging the need for improvements, he has refrained from delving into specifics about addressing the challenges posed by tourism. Overall, Moreno’s speech has highlighted the need for solidarity and resistance against perceived discrimination towards Andalusia, while also emphasizing achievements and future plans in various sectors to promote growth and development in the region.
