The Catalan Parliament has validated an increase in the tourist tax without delaying its implementation, sparking a political standoff among the ruling coalition parties. The decision, primarily supported by ERC and Comuns, has led to tensions within the government, particularly between Esquerra Republicana and Comuns, over the timing of the tax's activation. Despite initial agreements to postpone the hike until October, the Parliament rejected the delay, leading to its immediate enforcement starting May 1.
The government, led by Salvador Illa, faced a surprising setback when Junts and Comuns voted against the proposed delay, leaving the PSC and ERC isolated in their efforts to push the activation date to October. In response, the government has announced plans to introduce a new decree next Tuesday to retroactively postpone the tax increase, aiming to align with the original October timeline. This move has been met with criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of mismanagement and lack of parliamentary support.
Junts per Catalunya and the PP have called for the repeal of the tourist tax hike, criticizing the government's reliance on decrees to bypass parliamentary scrutiny. Mònica Sales, Junts' spokesperson, and Juan Fernández, the PP's parliamentary spokesperson, have both voiced their opposition, highlighting the lack of consultation with the tourism sector and the broader parliamentary body. The controversy underscores the challenges facing the Catalan government in maintaining cohesion among its coalition partners and securing legislative victories.
Amid the political turmoil, the tourist tax issue has become a focal point of debate, reflecting broader tensions within Catalonia's political landscape. The government's swift response to the parliamentary vote demonstrates its determination to implement the tax increase as planned, despite opposition from within and outside its coalition. As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of the government's strategy and its ability to navigate the complex political environment remain to be seen.
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