Montero to Present 2026 Budget Framework Amid Catalonia Financing Talks

20-10-2025


Spanish First Vice President and Finance Minister María Jesús Montero has assured that no autonomous community will lose resources under the new singular financing model for Catalonia agreed between the central government and the Generalitat. Speaking to media before the 'World in Progress' forum in Barcelona, Montero emphasized that her team is working extensively to fulfill various commitments on the table, including the agreements signed with the Catalan government and the principle of territorial solidarity.

Montero specifically addressed concerns about regional funding redistribution, stating: "One aspect is what was signed in the bilateral meeting with the Generalitat of Catalonia, but equally important is the president's commitment that no autonomous community will lose resources, and on the other hand, solidarity throughout the territory will be guaranteed. This is what we are working on." The minister's comments come amid ongoing negotiations about Catalonia's special financing arrangement within Spain's broader regional funding system.

Regarding the 2026 Budget project, Montero announced that the government is finalizing both the last details of internal ministry work and "the first approaches with parliamentary groups." She expects to bring the spending path and ceiling "very soon" to the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council, after which it will be submitted to Congress as the first step toward presenting the budget proposal. This timeline indicates the government is advancing its fiscal planning despite political complexities.

When questioned about the Popular Party's threat to take the government to the Constitutional Court if budgets are not presented to Parliament, Montero stated this prospect doesn't concern her "at all." She also expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Junts for the public accounts, acknowledging that their relationship "is sometimes more fluid, other times it requires more work." The minister's comments suggest the government anticipates navigating the political landscape to secure budget approval while maintaining its regional funding commitments.

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