Salvador Illa, the President of Catalonia, publicly expressed his support for the initiative that the Catalan Tax Agency collect personal income tax (IRPF). This move is crucial for the political negotiations with the Catalan Republican Party (ERC), which is demanding this condition before entering discussions about budget approvals. The urgency stems from the need for the Catalan government to finalize the budget within the first half of the year, prompting Illa to take decisive action during a technical meeting to gain favor with the ERC.

The ERC is currently working on finalizing the structure of an investment consortium, which is one of the key agreements from the investiture that remains to be executed. During his remarks, Illa reaffirmed his commitment to all points of the investiture agreement, hoping to create a more conducive atmosphere for negotiation. This strategy is seen as a way to rally support among coalition partners to ensure the legislative agenda moves forward, particularly in relation to the pressing budget discussions.

The negotiations are significant as they not only address immediate budgetary concerns but also reflect larger dynamics within Catalan politics, especially regarding ERC's role. Illa's overtures signify a potential shift in collaboration for future governance, as the backing of ERC is essential for both passing the budget and ensuring political stability in the region. This situation exemplifies the intricate balance of political alliances in Catalonia's current landscape.