The government of Catalonia, led by Salvador Illa, faced a serious political challenge after ERC submitted an amendment to reject the budget bill. Simultaneously, the mayor of Badalona, Xavier García Albiol, announced an unprecedented plan to eliminate all tourist apartments in the city by 2028. These events coincide with controversies over the salary increase for the president of the Generalitat and plans for the burial of retired King Juan Carlos in Granada.

Catalan Budget in Suspense

The ERC party blocked Salvador Illa's budget bill, demanding deeper tax cuts in the income tax.

Elimination of Rentals in Badalona

Mayor Albiol announced the end of tourist apartments by 2028, breaking from the general line of the People's Party.

Fight Against Squatting

Alcobendas is opening a special office and protocol aimed at speeding up the eviction of illegal occupants.

Royal Burial in Granada

Juan Carlos I broke with tradition, planning to rest in the royal chapel in Granada instead of the pantheon of kings.

The Catalan political scene has plunged into a deep budgetary impasse after the ERC (Republican Left of Catalonia) party officially registered a full amendment against the budget bill prepared by Salvador Illa's government. The main points of contention focus on the reform of the IRPF tax and education expenditures. The government appeals for agreement, arguing that rejecting the financial plan will prevent salary increases for teachers and medical staff. The situation is complicated by reports of increased spending on nationalist structures, including 37% higher subsidies for public media and plans to open new diplomatic offices for the region. Simultaneously, on a local scale, a political breakthrough occurred in Badalona. Mayor Xavier García Albiol of the People's Party (PP) announced a complete ban on tourist apartment activities. Although Albiol admits that this decision does not align with the general ideological line of his party, he deemed it necessary to protect the local housing market and combat neighborhood nuisances. The process of phasing out licenses is set to end in 2028, making Badalona one of the most radical cities in Spain in its approach to mass tourism. Spanish metropolises have been struggling with a housing crisis caused by gentrification for years, which led to a wave of social protests in 2024 and 2025, forcing local governments to impose drastic restrictions on platforms like Airbnb.In the shadow of economic disputes in the autonomous community of Madrid, in Alcobendas, a private property protection office was opened to combat the phenomenon of squatting. National media are also abuzz with reports about the will of former King Juan Carlos I, who expressed a wish to be buried in Granada, next to the Catholic Monarchs, which would be a departure from the tradition of El Escorial. „Si la atención primaria no funciona, no funciona el sistema” (If primary care doesn't work, the system doesn't work.) — Olga Pané

Perspektywy mediów: Highlights ERC blocking salary increases for teachers and bold decisions by mayors in the fight for cheaper housing. Focuses on increased spending on nationalist bureaucracy, TV3, and the controversial salary raise for President Illa.

Mentioned People

  • Salvador Illa — President of the Government of Catalonia, pushing for a budget with increased social spending.
  • Xavier García Albiol — Mayor of Badalona, who made the decision to ban tourist apartments in his city.
  • Juan Carlos I — Retired King of Spain, whose burial plans have sparked a national debate.