Catalonia 2026 budget faces sharp criticism from Junts opposition

Catalonia’s Economy Minister Alicia Romero defended the 2026 regional budget in parliament, calling it a “tool of the country” and thanking ERC and the Catalan Greens for their support. She highlighted a record total of €49.162 billion, a 22.8% increase in spending, with major boosts for health (€14 billion), education (€8.4 billion) and social rights (€4 billion), and announced a €1.9 billion housing investment.

Junts per Catalunya leader Mònica Sales responded with a total‑budget amendment, accusing the government of delivering a plan that “anesthetises” Catalonia. She attacked the PSC, ERC and the Catalan Greens for failing to address economic, social and infrastructure needs, and warned that the budget would not improve services such as Rodalies, tax relief, housing or education. Sales framed the budget as a symptom of political instability and a missed opportunity for transformation.