In the Cortes, Joan Baldoví of Compromís questioned the Treasury Department’s May budget execution figures this morning. He highlighted a stark contrast between administrations: under the Botànic coalition, investments and capital transfers totaled 527 million euros in May 2023, while May 2024, under the PP and Vox leadership, recorded 272 million. A department-by-department look shows a clear retreat: Education spent 41 million, down from 72 million; Health 22 million, versus 63 million in Botànic years; and Social Services and Housing 9 million, compared with 38 million previously. Baldoví argued these gaps signal a broader trend of reduced public investment and a shift in priorities, with the new administration favoring tax relief for higher earners while public services endure deeper cuts.
A Year Gone Missing
Armed with the latest figures, Baldoví stated that the first year of PP and Vox governance amounts to a lost year in delivering what matters most to residents. He noted the government has implemented only about half of the investments that the Botànic administration carried out in the early months of its term. The picture darkens when focusing on essential services: healthcare investments run at roughly one third of Botànic’s early-year levels, and social services allocations are around a quarter. In practical terms, this translates to fewer new or upgraded health centers, hospitals, elder care facilities, and day programs for vulnerable groups. The implication is clear: a government that reduces public services for the broad majority while offering tax relief to a relatively small segment of society.
Opacity
Compromís has raised concerns about the transparency of the regional government, alleging the council is withholding information about a balance sheet item known as creditors for accrued operations, commonly described as invoices tucked away in the drawer. The party points to Article 139 of the Public Finance Law, which requires monthly publication of this information. The debate centers on whether the administration is meeting its legal obligation to disclose outstanding obligations. If these figures are hidden or delayed, they could obscure the true state of the regional budget and borrowing, making it harder for residents to assess fiscal health and policy choices.