The Government seeks ways to ensure pay rises without a Budget

Uncertainty over the Generalitat’s budgets affects those who depend on public services in Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia. While the new accounts remain unapproved, the Govern says that the pay rises agreed with teachers and Mossos are guaranteed, although it does not explain how they will be financed if the Parlament does not approve the budget. The extension of the 2023 accounts makes it possible to control spending, but limits new programmes. The Govern warns that without ERC’s support, some 1.5 billion euros earmarked for health, education and security would be lost.

At the same time, the Generalitat has agreed with CC OO and UGT to increase teachers’ salaries, at a cost of 2 billion over four years, and a rise of 4,000 gross euros per year for the Mossos, the largest since 1989. However, these measures were not included in the budget proposal presented in February, which raises doubts about their viability. The Govern maintains that there is room to take on these commitments, resorting to adjustments to budget items, surpluses or higher revenue. Even so, without new budgets it will be difficult to promote initiatives, and political tension in the Parlament will continue to grow.

Alícia Romero has gained prominence in the Generalitat’s economic management. Her experience and technical profile have been key to maintaining financial stability at times of political uncertainty. Romero has defended the need for sound budgets to guarantee the functioning of public services and the capacity to respond to unforeseen economic events. Her role is decisive in negotiations with the different parliamentary groups and in seeking solutions to prevent a lack of agreement from affecting the public.