This Wednesday in Las Corts, with the votes of Consell partners PP and Vox, amendments to the entire law accompanying the budget proposal from PSPV and Compromís were defeated. There were no surprises, and the blocs remained steady in both votes and debates. The governing coalition welcomed the tax cuts included in the law, while the opposition argued that the measures primarily benefit the wealthier segments of society. Other notable discussions touched on the proximity restrictions for betting shops near schools and changes to the process for selecting directors of public television.
Finance Minister Ruth Merino defended the fiscal measures, emphasizing that the law signals a commitment to change in the regional elections by easing financial pressure. The administration highlighted six deductions related to income discounts for home purchases for people over 35 years old, as well as for other individuals. Merino stressed that the package represents a thoughtful approach to supporting households while maintaining fiscal prudence.
She also referenced Consell’s pledge to preserve individual freedoms, pointing to provisions in the law that end the obligation for students from Spanish-speaking regions to follow core courses in Valencian. The ministry described this shift as a retreat from impositions, framing it as a movement toward greater educational flexibility and regional autonomy.
Impact of tax cuts
Those defending the socialist and Valencian amendments, including José Muñoz and Joan Baldoví, acknowledged differences in how the tax cuts would affect various groups compared with the consequences of eliminating certain taxes on the wealthiest. In particular, they discussed inheritance and donation taxes as part of the broader fiscal framework.
Muñoz argued that the bonus on inheritances would impact roughly 20,000 Valencians, with an average saving of about 19,600 euros each. Personal income tax reductions, he noted, would translate into savings of around 90 euros for roughly 2.1 million residents. He framed these measures as a core feature of Consell’s fiscal strategy aimed at broadening financial relief for families.
Baldoví offered a pointed critique of the urgency with which some measures might be implemented, touching on the elimination of the distance between betting venues and training centers and the broader political consensus surrounding Valencian topics. He suggested that the climate in the chamber reflected heightened noise and competing agendas, calling attention to perceived clashes over educational and regional issues.
Vox supported the tax cuts and questioned whether the benefits would be limited to the richest, while PSPV and Compromís cautioned against assuming universal effects. One Vox deputy highlighted that the new reductions are designed to ease family finances and are cumulative in nature, reinforcing the government’s claim of broad fiscal relief.
Noelia Císcar summarized the position for the consensus, arguing that the law would improve the daily lives of Valencia residents and reduce sectarian tensions, presenting these budgets as the most social in the history of the Consell and a direct reflection of policy priorities. Mazón echoed the sentiment, calling for lower taxes, streamlined bureaucracy, greater educational freedom, and a correction of what he described as the missteps of the previous administration.
In this context, the debate touched on a critical examination of the legacy left by earlier administrations and the need for targeted legislative refinements. Some speakers argued that a portion of the law had elements that required adjustment to align with long-term social and economic goals. The discussion highlighted the balance policymakers seek between fiscal relief and prudent governance, with critics warning against potential unintended consequences while supporters framed the measures as necessary to catalyze regional development.