Financing and budgets have dominated this morning’s discussion during the Valencia Community Social Dialogue Table, where representatives from the regional government, led by the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, met with social partners. This gathering occurred amid a stormy backdrop over how Catalonia’s special funding is handled, yet the participants—government, employers, and unions alike—found common ground. They agreed on the urgent need to reform the underfunding that has long characterized the Valencian autonomia and to draft a new set of budgets that reflects the input of diverse social actors in its guiding principles. A shared aim emerged: to ensure a fairer financial framework for the Valencian Community and to align budgetary planning with the real needs voiced by workers, employers, and civil society.
In a subsequent press briefing, Susana Camarero, the deputy prime minister and minister for Social Services, Equality and Housing, stressed that the alignment between the government, employers, and unions centers on a plan to reform financing so that the Valencian Community operates under a fairer system. There is also a push for a leveling fund to support the transition, and a recognition of a historical burden where a large portion—around eighty percent—stems from prior underfunding. These points mark a turning point in the ongoing dialogue about how resources are distributed within the region and how the state can rectify past inequities.
According to Ana García Alcolea, the general secretary of Comisiones Obreras in the autonomous community, this moment represents a historic juncture for meaningful change, with the issue clearly on the negotiation table. Ismael Sáez, the UGT-PV counterpart, echoed the sense of urgency and noted that a dedicated meeting is planned for September 17 to reinforce the government’s positions and to press for stronger funding commitments. The tenor of these comments suggests a broad consensus that financing reform must accompany any future expenditure plans, ensuring that the voices of workers and social partners shape the financial agenda.
Budgets
The other major topic tackled was the 2025 accounts. Camarero highlighted broad agreement that these budgets should not be drafted in isolation by the government alone but must involve social dialogue from the start. She announced forthcoming bilateral meetings with social partners in the coming months to ensure these budgets truly reflect the needs and aspirations of people across Valencia. The goal is clear: to make the 2025 budget the budget of all Valencians, and not merely a plan for the executive branch.
Ismael Sáez emphasized that while reaching a consensus on the budget will be challenging, it is a task worth pursuing. García Alcolea reinforced the commitment of her union and the broader social actors to participate in ongoing discussions and working groups, ensuring that the process remains inclusive and transparent. The overall message from the leaderships involved is one of cautious optimism: with sustained dialogue and structured engagement, the financing reform and future budgets can more accurately reflect the real needs of the region, balancing fiscal responsibility with social equity.