Video: @salvadorilla / X
"No more delays" on financing, says Illa
President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa has stated that the debate over Catalonia’s new regional financing model "cannot be prolonged any further". Speaking during the general policy debate in the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday, Illa warned that delaying a decision risks losing €4.7 billion annually – funds earmarked for health, education and social services under the proposed reform.
We have agreed on a very good proposal where everyone wins. It is time for coherence, duty and courage., Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat
Illa described the agreement reached with the Spanish government and ERC as fair and beneficial, delivering an additional €1,792 per inhabitant when population-adjusted figures are applied. The revised formula accounts for demographic pressures such as ageing and school-age populations, positioning Catalonia as the third-largest contributor and recipient under the adjusted metric.
Congress approval still uncertain
The model was approved by the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council (CPFF) on 5 September 2026 with support from the State, Catalonia and the Canary Islands, but opposed by all PP- and PSOE-led autonomous communities. It now moves to the Council of Ministers and must pass through the Congress of Deputies, where its fate remains uncertain.
According to analysis from the Catalan government and ERC, the new system would increase Catalonia’s annual budget by 12%, raising per capita funding from €3,408 to €5,200 based on adjusted population criteria. However, Junts continues to reject the deal, advocating instead for a full fiscal concert akin to that enjoyed by the Basque Country and Navarre.
Amnesty law paves way for Puigdemont's return
Illa also called for the immediate application of the amnesty law without further delay, expressing his desire that Carles Puigdemont, currently in exile, be able to attend the next parliamentary session. The European Court of Justice and Spain’s Constitutional Court have both confirmed the legality of the amnesty law, which was passed by an absolute majority in Congress in May 2024.
The president reiterated that the vast majority of citizens support dialogue and coexistence, stating: "Catalonia decided long ago to look forward." He also highlighted the reinstatement of political rights for figures including Oriol Junqueras, Lluís Puig and Josep Maria Jové as essential to democratic normalisation.
Primary sources: revistes.eapc.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by elpais.com, en.ara.cat, catalannews.com, diaricatalunya.cat, parlament.cat, spainenglish.com, Racó Català.
