Major business and economic organisations in Catalonia are demanding political unity to address persistent infrastructure deficits and insufficient regional funding. Groups including Foment del Treball, Pimec, and Cecot have criticised the central government's investment in Catalonia, which they say has fallen short by nearly €50 billion since 2009.
This criticism comes as the Catalan government, led by Salvador Illa, quantifies the annual fiscal deficit at €21 billion. While a new funding model could reduce this by approximately €5 billion, business leaders argue that the current situation is unsustainable. They point to the poor state of the Rodalies commuter rail network as a clear example of inadequate infrastructure.
These organisations, which previously opposed unilateral independence and expressed regret over the economic, social, and political consequences of the 'procés', are now united in their call for solutions. They argue that the current political context, with socialists governing both in Catalonia and Madrid and relying on pro-independence parties, should help resolve these issues. However, progress has been slow, with disagreements between the central government and Catalan political parties hindering initiatives, such as the proposed investment consortium.
Calls for Public-Private Agency
Josep Sánchez Llibre, president of Foment del Treball, described the situation as "alarming, deeply indignant, and absolutely intolerable". He reiterated the call for a public-private agency to oversee and audit investment and its actual execution in Catalonia. This idea aims to ensure accountability and effective deployment of funds.
While the diagnosis of these problems is widely accepted, even by PSC and Catalan government officials, they often express their concerns quietly to avoid conflict with Madrid. Catalan federations of national trade unions also acknowledge the issues but have been less assertive in demanding, for example, that Catalonia set its own minimum wage based on local living costs.
Business leaders say that simply diagnosing the problems and lamenting the situation is not enough. They believe that Madrid's governments and economic powers often dismiss Catalan complaints as 'victimism' and prioritise other demands. Finding solutions requires unity, courage from some, and generosity from others to advance Catalonia's interests, which have suffered for years due to the lack of a favourable or independent state.
Political Context and Economic Influence
The institutional landscape in Barcelona recently saw a gathering for the 50th anniversary of El País newspaper. The event, attended by King Felipe VI, Salvador Illa, and Jaume Collboni, also included Carlos Torres, president of BBVA. BBVA's recent hostile takeover bid for Banc Sabadell was blocked, but Catalonia remains a key region for the bank, which serves many large companies.
BBVA, along with Banc Sabadell, La Caixa Foundation, and other major companies, sponsored the newspaper's anniversary. This highlights the significant economic influence of these entities within Catalonia and their interest in the region's financial stability and growth.
Moving forward, the focus remains on transforming diagnosis into concrete action. The ongoing discussions around a new funding model for Catalonia and the persistent calls for improved infrastructure investment will shape the region's economic future. Political leaders face increasing pressure to demonstrate progress and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses.
