Vox and PP Restructure Valencian Budgets, Cutting NGO Funding and Immigration Aid
Negotiations between the Popular Party (PP) and Vox have resulted in a significant overhaul of the Valencian Community's budget, causing controversy and concern among various sectors. The proposed budget cuts key funding allocations for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development cooperation efforts, and green policies, while simultaneously redirecting funds to address the consequences of natural disasters and reduce illegal immigration.
Ignacio Garriga, the vice president and secretary general of Vox, revealed the extent of these changes during a press briefing, emphasizing that the reallocation of funds is intended to aid Valencians impacted by recent disasters, notably the floods caused by DANA. The Vox party argues that any financial surplus should be utilized not only to aid local reconstruction efforts but also to contain illegal immigration strategies.
One notable shift includes eliminating allocations for NGOs focused on various humanitarian initiatives and scaling back on public spending for sustainable development projects that align with the European Green Deal. According to Garriga, the focus will primarily be on rebuilding the lives of Valencian citizens and prioritizing funding for local businesses, stating, "Not a single euro to ideological nonsense but to rebuild the lives of the Valencians."
The budget revisions also involve scrutinizing immigration by ensuring that resources are allocated for age verification tests for migrants claiming to be minors. This is part of a broader public accounts strategy that prioritizes what Vox describes as necessary and pragmatic policies over what they label as 'ideological trash'.
President of the Valencian Community, Mazón, stated during the announcement of the agreement with Vox that the changes reflect a commitment to rejecting EU policies that do not align with local interests, particularly concerning immigration and environmental commitments. Vox's insistence on slashing funding for green policies indicates a stark divergence from previously established environmental commitments.
The negotiations have been described as rigorous and demanding, with Garriga noting the evolution in Mazón's policy stance as indicative of the political climate's responsiveness to Vox's agenda. While some critics argue about the implications of such a budget for social welfare and environmental health, Garriga maintained that these changes signal a sensible realignment toward local priorities.
According to sources within Vox, these budget negotiations may set a precedent for other regions such as Extremadura, Aragón, and Castilla y León, should their leaders adopt similar strategies to eliminate ideologically driven spending.
Overall, while officials celebrate the adjustments as a progressive step for those affected by recent disasters, there remains uncertainty about the broader social implications of cutting vital funding for developmental and humanitarian initiatives across the Valencian Community.
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