In the Valencian Community, leaders aligned with PSPV-PSOE warn that the proposed 99 percent reduction in the Inheritance and Charitable Tax by the regional government would erode essential public services. They argue this tax policy would disproportionately favor high earners while compromising education, health care, and social services for millions of residents. Arcadi España, deputy spokesperson for the Socialist parliamentary group, underscored these concerns in a recent briefing, accusing the People’s Party of delivering benefits to 24,000 affluent households and imposing potential harm on more than five million Valencians.
Following a routine management session of the socialist parliamentary group in the Assembly, España and other lawmakers criticized the PP and its government partner Vox for attempting to push through a calendar that, in their view, reduces Parliament’s democratic oversight and echoes troubling memories of past regional leadership. The claim centered on a perception that the calendar serves the Council rather than the public, seemingly aiming to obscure accountability rather than illuminate policy debates.
Arcadi España: “Some talk about financial hell, but hell is the lack of public services”
España argued that the PP should make clear whether it intends to lower taxes for the wealthiest individuals within the Valencian Community. He noted that the Inheritance Tax affects only about 24,000 Valencians, yet eliminating it would create a significant budget shortfall for the Generalitat, estimated at 350 million euros. He warned that this hole could translate into reductions in vital public services such as education, health care, and social services, jeopardizing daily life for many residents. He also called on the Generalitat to address concerns about how the upcoming school year is being managed, urging officials to acknowledge and apologize for what he described as disarray affecting families and the education system.
España added that the socialist group will persist in defending a fair and progressive tax framework, emphasizing that the debate should not hinge solely on whether taxes rise or fall. Instead, the central question is the endurance of the Welfare State and its capacity to support equitable opportunities. He pointed out that any reform in taxation must be evaluated against its real impact on people’s daily experiences and on the broader social safety net. He asserted that the ongoing push by the Generalitat challenges the United States standard of a modern welfare approach, urging a more balanced and sustainable fiscal path for Valencians.
Throughout these discussions, the emphasis remained on maintaining essential services and safeguarding long-term public investment. Supporters of the Socialist bloc argued that a robust tax system is a cornerstone of social progress, enabling health systems to respond to emergencies, schools to hire needed staff, and social programs to reach vulnerable communities. They stressed that policy decisions must be guided by data, transparency, and accountability, with clear communication to the public about the goals and consequences of tax changes. The overarching message was that fiscal policy should strengthen, not erode, the social fabric that sustains daily life for families across the region.