The Catalan government has issued a warning regarding financial tensions that may arise starting in April if the 2026 budget is not approved. Alícia Romero, the Consellera of Economy, stated that without the budget, the Generalitat would face a shortfall of 1.5 billion euros. She expressed her firm belief that the political party ERC will ultimately support the budget negotiations, dismissing the possibility of early elections as not being an option. Romero's comments suggest that the approval of the budget is critical not only to maintain the financial stability of the Generalitat but also to facilitate ongoing negotiations concerning budget allocations. She highlighted that the government would present a draft budget that aims to provide leeway for discussions about various spending areas. This indicates a proactive approach by the government to ensure that essential projects and services are funded without interruption. The situation underscores the importance of bipartisan support in the Catalan parliament, particularly from ERC, to move forward with the budget. Should the budget not be passed, the potential for financial distress could have significant implications for public services and investment in the region, raising concerns about the future economic outlook for Catalonia. The coming weeks will be critical as negotiations progress and the timeline for approval becomes clearer.