Mar 19 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The Government will guarantee the salary increase of teachers and 'mossos' despite not having Budgets

The Catalan Government plans to ensure salary increases for teachers and police despite the absence of an official budget.

The Catalan Government, led by Salvador Illa, is set to approve a decree that will provide an additional credit supplement to support public sector employee salary increases. This follows the withdrawal of the budget proposal which could not secure backing from the ERC party, resulting in a situation where the government is compelled to function on a budget extension from 2023. This decision aims to maintain normal operations, particularly focusing on covering payroll for teachers and the 'mossos' (Catalan police), amidst rising operational expenses.

The inability to pass a new budget means that the Catalan Government will be relying on existing funds, forcing them to operate under financial constraints for at least the next six months. The approved credit supplement will allow the government to manage ongoing salary obligations while navigating the challenges presented by the lack of a formal budget. It demonstrates the government's commitment to support its public employees even in the face of legislative hurdles that have impacted financial planning for the coming fiscal year.

This move could have broader implications for public sector negotiations in Catalonia, as the government is signaling its readiness to increase spending on public services amid fiscal challenges. It also reflects ongoing political tensions among regional parties, such as the ERC's refusal to support the budget, which may necessitate further coalition-building efforts as the government seeks to maintain stability and address public sector needs in a turbulent financial landscape.

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