In a recent announcement, Salvador Illa, the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, confirmed that his government will approve the budget project for the 2026 fiscal year in an extraordinary meeting this Friday. This decision comes after ERC (Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya) did not attend planned negotiations, citing a lack of progress on income tax (IRPF) discussions. Illa emphasized the urgency of passing the budget, stating that "Catalonia needs budgets" and stressing the importance of prioritizing the region's needs over political alliances.

The relationship between Illa's government and ERC has been strained by this decision. Until now, the Generalitat had preferred to negotiate the budget in partnership with ERC and the Comuns. However, the absence of ERC in the negotiations has forced Illa to act independently, moving forward with the budget approval without their support. This situation raises questions about the future functioning of the government coalition and how it will cope with its minority status in the regional parliament.

The tension between the parties highlights a critical moment in Catalonia's political landscape, where budgetary agreements have significant implications for public services and social programs in the region. Illa's assertiveness in this matter suggests a shift towards a more unilateral approach to governance in Catalonia, potentially altering the dynamics of future negotiations and collaborations among political factions.