The Catalan party Junts has unexpectedly clarified its stance on one of the most contentious financial issues in recent years. Despite a prolonged break in dialogue with the Socialists, Junts representatives have stated they will support a complete write-off of Catalonia’s debt under the Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA) if this matter is presented as a separate government decree. The amount in question exceeds 17 billion euros—this is not just a number, but a real opportunity for the region to ease its financial burden.
Junts Vice President Antoni Castellà (Antoni Castellà), speaking on SER Catalunya radio, stressed that the party does not intend to join discussions on other funding models unless it involves a standalone economic agreement for Catalonia. According to him, Junts’ support is only possible if the project concerns exclusively the FLA, without tying it to broader agreements between the Socialists and the Republicans.
Financial Knot
If the decree is approved, Catalonia will gain a unique opportunity to free itself from the state’s debt burden. However, as Junts points out, this does not mean automatic approval for the proposed funding model previously agreed by ERC and PSOE. Castellà insists that the party is only willing to discuss an arrangement similar to the Basque economic agreement, where the region gains maximum financial autonomy.
Catalonia’s Minister of Economy, Alícia Romero, is convinced there is still room for negotiation. She believes Junts’ support could be decisive for the fate of the decree. However, Castella emphasizes that the ball is in the Socialists’ court, and they will have to make the next move.
Political rifts
The situation is complicated not only by financial disagreements. The recent transport collapse after the accident on the Rodalies railway line in Gelida left Catalonia without trains for almost two days. The incident drew sharp criticism toward the regional government. Castella publicly demanded the resignation of Minister of Territorial Development Sílvia Paneque, calling her actions irresponsible and inadequate. However, Paneque herself has no plans to step down, despite mounting pressure and accusations of failed communication with the unions.
Domestic political tensions are mounting in Catalonia. Junts accuses the government of failing to establish dialogue with transport workers and of mishandling the crisis. Meanwhile, Socialists and Republicans are trying to maintain a fragile balance to prevent a new wave of political instability.
Catalan labyrinth
The issue of writing off the FLA debt has become a litmus test for all players on the Catalan political scene. For Junts, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their principles and independence from other parties. For the government, it is a chance to show that it can tackle even the most complex financial challenges. But behind the scenes, the struggle for influence and control over the region’s future continues.
While some politicians make bold statements and others seek compromise, the people of Catalonia watch developments with both anxiety and hope. Whether the debt write-off will mark the beginning of a new era for the region or just another chapter in the ongoing political drama will soon become clear.
