Feijóo Unites PP Leaders Against Sánchez's Financing Strategy
On Friday, PP President Alberto Núñez Feijóo organized a summit of regional leaders in Madrid to express unity against what he characterized as the unscrupulous maneuvers of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez regarding new regional financing. The meeting took place at the historic Dukes of Pastrana Palace and included the participation of 11 regional presidents from the PP, as well as representatives from Ceuta and Melilla.
During this gathering, all leaders signed an alternative project advocating for regional financing, accompanied by a series of demands aimed at the government as they seek to engage in serious discussions about the financing model. The consensus among the regional leaders is the urgent need to negotiate a revamped system, especially in light of the recent agreement reached between the government and separatists like the PSC and ERC, which many see as inadequate for improving public service financing in Catalonia.
Feijóo criticized this agreement, suggesting that it primarily serves the interests of separatist leaders rather than the citizens of Catalonia. "Rest assured that all Spaniards will pay the separatist quota, and it will not resolve the problems of the Catalans; it will only resolve the problems of the separatist leaders," he stated emphatically.
The PP leader also urged Sánchez to promptly convene a conference of presidents, which would include all territorial leaders, even those from the PSOE, to facilitate a multilateral discussion on regional financing. He affirmed the PP's commitment to avoiding what he termed 'deceptive bilateralism' regarding the financing discussions. "We will not participate in any auction," he insisted, referring to the meetings Sánchez plans to hold in Moncloa with regional leaders.
Adding to his demands, Feijóo called for a significant economic injection into the autonomous communities by reallocating a portion of the European funds allocated to Spain. Specifically, he suggested transferring 18 billion euros from the Next Generation funds that have yet to be utilized, as well as establishing a transitional fund to address existing financial imbalances among the autonomous regions.
In a passionate speech lasting roughly 15 minutes, Feijóo took a firm stance against Sánchez, accusing him of undermining Spain's image and prioritizing personal interests over the collective good. He conveyed that Sánchez views politics as a means to attack what he perceives as adversaries. Nevertheless, Feijóo offered hope to the Spanish populace, asserting that in politics, viable agreements are achievable when parties are willing to negotiate, emphasizing that it is easier to broker deals between two entities than among many.
He also criticized the current government for lacking a substantial agenda beyond clinging to power, arguing that even Catalans have been misled by the PSOE's alignment with separatist rhetoric. In closing, Feijóo reiterated the PP's commitment to actively participate in establishing a new regional financing model that meets the diverse needs of all territories, with a particular focus on healthcare. This bold stance reflects the PP's goal to reform regional financing in Spain amid ongoing challenges and political tensions.
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