Catalan opposition and allies challenge Salvador Illa at mid-mandate policy debate

Pressure from investiture allies

The General Policy Debate in the Parliament of Catalonia marked the halfway point of Salvador Illa's mandate, with investiture partners demanding rapid delivery on key pacts. Josep Maria Jové, leader of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) in parliament, warned the president that time is running out to fulfill commitments on singular financing, the transfer of Rodalies, and the cancellation of FLA debt. Jové urged Illa to leverage his party's influence to ensure the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez delivers on its promises. In his response, Illa defended his record, stating that roughly half of the signed agreements are already completed while the rest remain under active development. The president also addressed the application of the Amnesty Law, noting that doubts regarding judicial impartiality are founded.

Do not drag your feet when it comes to fulfilling all the commitments you agreed with us, because without that you will not be able to reach new ones and your stability will falter.

Housing disputes with Comuns

Jéssica Albiach, leader of Comuns in parliament, criticised Illa for failing to implement key housing commitments included in their investiture agreement. Albiach pointed out that the agreed anti-eviction unit remains inactive after a year of waiting and argued that recent government measures merely facilitate property purchases at market rates. She announced a parliamentary proposal to raise taxes on investment funds acquiring residential property blocks. Albiach also contrasted the low number of housing law sanctions with the administrative actions taken against grassroots housing campaigners over the past two years.

12 sanctions in 2 years. That said, 338 complaints against activists for demonstrating peacefully to stop evictions.

Opposition calls for censure and economic shift

The conservative and right-wing opposition launched sharp attacks against Illa's administrative record and political alignment with Madrid. Mònica Sales, parliamentary leader of Junts, announced a resolution proposal to formally censure Illa, describing him as the worst president of modern Catalonia and calling on ERC and Comuns to back the measure. Alejandro Fernández, president of the People's Party (PP) of Catalonia, criticised the proposed regional financing model, pointing out that it holds a narrow margin in the regional chamber and faces rejection elsewhere in Spain. Fernández proposed tax cuts, including the abolition of inheritance and wealth taxes, alongside policies to protect property owners.

It is not wanted even by your own people in the rest of Spain. And you ask me for courage to defend this rubbish?

Clashes over immigration and international rhetoric

Ignacio Garriga, secretary general of Vox in Catalonia, focused his intervention on immigration and security, accusing the government of neglecting regional public services while dedicating significant speech time to international affairs. Garriga framed the political landscape as a choice between Western civilization and barbarism, advocating for deregulation and strict border measures. Illa rejected Garriga's rhetoric, describing the Vox leader as a provocateur and demagogue during parliamentary exchanges. The session saw additional tensions following a recent incident in Sabadell involving a Vox local councillor, prompting Comuns deputy Lluís Mijoler to confront Garriga directly from his seat.