The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has claimed the financing agreement reached by the Government and ERC as «the best» in the history of Catalonia. He made this statement on Saturday during his speech at the Consell Nacional del PSC, where he also stated that this is «the best system of common regime regional financing in the democratic history of Spain» and will provide, in his opinion, more transparency, efficiency, and regulatory capacity.
He thanked ERC for being an «uncomfortable» partner, but one that has fulfilled the commitments made, which he described as an act of courage and political realism. Illa emphasized that the agreement entails an additional 4.7 billion euros in the first year and assured that Catalonia will maintain its position as the third contributor and recipient.
He also congratulated the First Vice President of the Government and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, for her «arduous and complex» work and added that the agreement is a demonstration of the political leadership of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez.
«It is deafening the silence of those who not long ago said we would not be able to present a new model of regional financing,» he remarked.
He asserted that this agreement benefits all autonomous communities, stating that «nobody loses.» According to him, the new model is a commitment to improving public services: «It is not money for the autonomous communities. It is money for the citizens of each autonomous community,» he affirmed.
«A new financing model that improves public services is also a new model of coexistence,» he said, emphasizing that denying resources to citizens is the most unpatriotic action.
«We want everyone to succeed. But Catalonia also has the right to lead and propose a new financing model,» he concluded.
Regarding the processing of this new model and the necessary support, he acknowledged that it will be challenging, but stressed that in a democracy, citizens have the final say. He criticized those who oppose the agreement, questioning their efforts to address the issue and pointing out the inaction of the Popular Party when given the opportunity.
He also called out those who he believes have hidden behind proposals they know are impossible to implement.
He also paid tribute to the late former Congressman, Senator, and founder of the PSC, Josep Maria Triginer, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the socialist cause throughout his life.
«This is the main lesson: to be a socialist at all times and in all circumstances, with an awareness of what it means to be part of a collective project,» he emphasized.
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