Peoples Party Calls for Collaboration Amidst Economic Turbulence
Juan Bravo, the Deputy Secretary of Economy for the Peoples Party, expressed his party's reluctance to support the Government's proposed plan aimed at mitigating the effects of recent tariff measures, unless there is a substantial shift in approach. The party presented its own plan to the Government 23 days ago, yet Bravo's statements following a meeting with Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business Carlos Cuerpo reveal growing frustration.
He emphasized that it is unreasonable to seek their support while neglecting the proposals submitted by companies, freelancers, and workers. In the meeting, Bravo came prepared with a draft agreement designed to demonstrate to citizens and businesses that genuine collaboration could yield concrete outcomes. "We did not come here to be part of the Government or to act as a crutch for the Government. Our objective was clear: to communicate the proposals from various sectors to the Government," Bravo stated.
However, the Government responded by indicating that it could not embrace the suggested initiatives, presenting instead a royal decree law which primarily regurgitated measures previously announced weeks ago and subsequently approved by the Council of Ministers. Bravo lamented that the Government appears to be erecting barriers that effectively push the Peoples Party out of significant conversations.
"We are leaving worse than when we arrived, as there has been no acceptance of our proposals, and by continuing this course, we understand we are being sidelined," he remarked.
The Peoples Party's initiative aims to enhance the Government's approach in light of tariff pressures, proposing fiscal and energy measures designed to bolster the competitiveness of businesses while safeguarding the most vulnerable sectors, notably industrial and primary industries.
Key elements of the Peoples Party's proposal include the elimination of taxes on energy production, the development of a comprehensive hydraulic infrastructure plan to ensure water availability, and advocating for the extension of the operational lifespan of nuclear plants. This nuclear extension is particularly crucial, as the party believes that in the wake of recent energy challenges, the discussion on energy sovereignty has gained renewed urgency.
In April, the Popular Group even tabled a legislative proposal in Congress aimed at sustaining the operational longevity of Spain's nuclear facilities, starting with the Almaraz plant in Cáceres. The party underscores the importance of maintaining a robust nuclear energy strategy in the current energy landscape.
As the political tension unfolds, it remains evident that dialogue and collaboration are essential in addressing the pressing economic challenges ahead. Citizens and businesses alike are watching closely as these stakes rise in the face of national and international pressures.
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