Partido Popular Accuses Sánchez of Manipulating Regional Funding

The Partido Popular (PP) has launched sharp criticism against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez regarding his management of regional funding, claiming that he manipulates the financial system to benefit separatist regions at the expense of those governed by the PP. Elías Bendodo, the PP's deputy secretary for Autonomic Policy, addressed these concerns during the presentation of the final accounts for the regional funding of 2023, accusing Sánchez of turning the funding process into a "auction" where votes dictate funding allocations.

Bendodo highlighted that recent negotiations have led to preferential financial treatment for Catalonia, which he referred to as an "advance of the separatist quota." This preferential treatment, he argues, undermines financial equality and justice, adversely affecting regions like Castilla-La Mancha, the Comunitat Valenciana, the Community of Madrid, and the Region of Murcia. According to Bendodo, this selective funding promotes a divide between "first-class and second-class regions," suggesting that Sánchez's government has institutionalized systematic robbery to appease independentist sentiments.

Furthermore, the PP accused Sánchez's government of violating the Constitution by failing to present a budget proposal for Congressional approval, a point emphasized by Bendodo. The resulting lack of a formal budget is portrayed as a dereliction of governmental duties, exacerbating the perceived inequality among Spain's various regions. Looking ahead, Bendodo expressed his hopes that a leadership change, potentially with Alberto Núñez Feijóo at the helm, could lead to a more equitable management of regional affairs.

This criticism arrives amid ongoing discussions about regional funding and its influence on Spain's socio-political landscape, stirring debate over fiscal equity and governance that could resonate deeply with regional electorates as national elections approach.