Catalonia's 2026 budget secured after agreements with ERC and Comuns

Catalonia’s regional government, led by President Salvador Illa, has reached the parliamentary majority needed to approve the 2026 budget. After an earlier pact with Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) signed by Illa and ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, the executive concluded a second agreement with the junior coalition partner, the Catalan Commons (Comuns), represented by parliamentary leader Jéssica Albiach. The deals together give the governing bloc 68 votes – the exact number required for an absolute majority in the Catalan Parliament.

The youth wing of ERC, Jovent Republicà, held an extraordinary national council and decided that its sole deputy, Mar Besses, would back the budget, removing the last obstacle to its passage. With ERC, Comuns and the PSC‑led coalition aligned, the budget is set to be signed on Thursday at the Palau de la Generalitat and submitted to the Parliament on Friday, aiming for final approval in July.

Key items in the budget include a €5 billion orbital railway project, €527 million for the Catalan Tax Agency to take over personal income‑tax collection, and housing measures worth €2.5 billion plus €1.2 billion for neighbourhood upgrades. Health‑related provisions aim to cut waiting‑list times and invest in infrastructure. The agreements also adjust the ownership share in the Zona Franca consortium.

This coordinated political effort is expected to unblock public financing and allow the regional administration to implement its policy agenda for the coming year.