Galicia's AP-9 Transfer Stalls Over €4bn Debt Dispute

The Spanish Congress debated and approved a law to transfer ownership and management of the AP‑9 highway to the autonomous community of Galicia, following a pact between the PSOE, Sumar and BNG. The measure passed despite opposition from the PP and Vox and now proceeds to the Senate and a mixed commission for final negotiation of the transfer conditions.

Galicia's regional government supports the hand‑over but warns it cannot assume a €4 billion financial burden attached to the concession. Conselleira María Martínez Allegue stated that the €4 bn debt must remain with the central government, describing the proposed terms as a "mortgage charge" that Galicians cannot bear. President Alfonso Rueda echoed the view, calling the lack of guaranteed financing "unacceptable."

The PP claims the agreement breaks the original consensus of the Galician parliament and questions the viability of the transfer without State funding for debt, toll subsidies and potential EU‑related liabilities. The dispute signals a difficult negotiation ahead between the Xunta and the central government before the transfer can be completed.