€21bn Spain funding plan clears hurdle in Madrid

Spain’s €21bn regional funding plan cleared its first hurdle in Madrid, Spain, on Friday. Catalonia and the Canary Islands backed it, while every other autonomous community voted against. The package would add almost €21bn for healthcare, education, social services and housing policy.

Finance Minister Arcadi España said no community would lose funding against the current system. The proposal would use one framework for all autonomous communities and cities under the common financing regime, rather than creating a special deal. Joining it would remain voluntary.

The plan also offers regions more control over taxes and sets out measures designed to narrow funding gaps between territories. España said the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council had not debated a funding model for 17 years, while the current system had been expired for 12.

Friday’s vote does not make the plan law. It must first go to the Council of Ministers, then to the Congress of Deputies as a bill, where parliamentary groups will have the final say.

Topics: Social affairs · Health · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com