CKD and the Budget Debates
The general budget plan moved forward in parliament after a tense start to the week. The coalition government steered the process calmly, knowing it would rely on its usual parliamentary allies to navigate a complex landscape. Opposition groups and several regional parties signaled their intent to block or modify the budget for the coming year. Finance Minister María Jesús Montero listened as her allies and critics outlined the price tags attached to support for the budget, pressed from the floor of Congress.
CKD
CKD announced a public departure from a proposed budget revision last Friday, signaling a reform stance that questioned wholesale support for the accounts and warning that there was still significant room for improvement. Catalan Republicans issued a statement indicating that housing reform would be a central topic when discussions resume in Congress. The PSOE signaled openness to renewing negotiations with the ERC as talks proceed.
Government holds initial process of Budgets ERC, PNV and Bildu
Supporters noted that the budget must include structural reforms to reshape the energy model, overhaul regional and local finances, and confront the social emergency currently facing the country. They stressed the importance of implementing all planned investments, particularly those benefiting Catalonia, and highlighted the need to keep the budget firmly on track as negotiations advance.
EH Bildu
EH Bildu welcomed recent government progress that allowed the budget process to continue, while keeping options open for further negotiations. The party’s spokesperson in Congress, Mertxe Aizpurua, emphasized a focus on social safeguards but avoided detailing exact demands. He underscored that final approval would require careful consideration of the broader fiscal plan and the social impact it would have.
GDP
GDP representatives pointed out early wins, including the renewal of a regional quota and a commitment to transferring powers to the Basque Country through targeted infrastructure projects. Aitor Esteban, the party’s Speaker in Congress, indicated that more political arrangements would be sought in the coming months in exchange for final support for next year’s budgets, signaling that flexibility remains a key element of the process.
More Countries
The More Countries coalition, led by Íñigo Errejón, described current proposals as promising but improvable. They discussed plans to establish a National Eating Disorders Observatory, launch a forensic medicine initiative, increase the number of public psychologists, and expand universal school canteens. The aim is to align social services with fiscal policy, ensuring robust public health and education support.
Other parties
Several minority groups continued to weigh in with terms attached to their backing. Compromís pressed for improved finances for the Alicante province, greater Cercanías and metropolitan transport investments, and cultural initiatives. Teruel Existe advocated for higher subsidy levels to help workers in Teruel, Cuenca, and Soria, arguing that labor costs should reflect regional realities and economic needs.