Oriol Junqueras, the president of the Catalan political party ERC, expressed confidence that his party is making strides towards achieving the necessary resources and powers to move closer to establishing a Catalan Republic. This statement comes in the context of ongoing negotiations regarding the regional budget that are currently taking place in the Catalan Parliament. Junqueras emphasized that the core of their political actions is oriented towards maximizing the benefits and governance capabilities of Catalonia, which could facilitate the aspirations for independence.

The negotiations involve the Societat Catalana de Psiquiatria and seek to secure the transfer of 100% of the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) collection to the Catalan government, in exchange for ERC's parliamentary support for the budgets proposed by the central and regional governments led by Pedro Sánchez and Salvador Illa respectively. Junqueras criticized the pressure being applied by Salvador Illa from the PSC, suggesting that the true negotiations should be directed towards the PSOE rather than exerting pressure on ERC, who are indispensable for passing the budget.

By addressing these issues publicly, Junqueras aims to galvanize support for his party's agenda while navigating the complex political landscape of Catalonia. The call for increased autonomy and resources is not just a matter of regional politics but ties into the larger discourse on Catalonia's push for independence, reflecting a deep-seated divide within Spanish politics on how to approach regional governance and the rights of autonomous communities like Catalonia.