Budgetary Concerns Loom Over Judiciary and Autonomous Communities
A wind of worry is blowing across the jurisdictions as the confusing political situation endangers the budgetary future of various government sectors. The judiciary fears the end of the year 2024, with the possibility that the next government will reconsider the programming law for justice, which provides for an overall budget of 10.5 billion euros for 2025, an increase of 500 million compared to the last year. Some magistrates point out that this law was voted on by both the Insoumis and the National Rally, highlighting its bipartisan support.
The situation is further complicated by a recent decision from Bercy, which reduced the budgetary increase to 328 million euros, out of the 500 million initially promised. This reduction has led to a cut of 170 million euros from the initial budget of the judicial services, halting all major real estate projects.
Madrid's Government Accuses Central Executive of Financial Strain
Meanwhile, the Government of the Community of Madrid, chaired by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has accused Pedro Sánchez's central executive of wanting to "burst" its budgets and "suffocate" its economy. The accusation stems from the central government's failure to deliver payments on account for 2024 and comply with financing commitments totaling over 1,000 million euros. This financial strain is seen as an attempt to buy votes from pro-independence parties, while suffocating other autonomous communities.
The Ministry of the Treasury, however, has announced that in 2025 the communities will receive more money than ever from the financing system, amounting to 147,412 million euros, a 9.5% increase from this year. Additionally, a positive settlement of more than 11,000 million euros, the second largest in history, is expected. Despite these assurances, the Government of Madrid remains skeptical, citing previous unmet commitments and the ongoing financial pressures on public services in the region.
- The judiciary's concerns are not unfounded, as the reduction in budgetary increase by Bercy has already led to significant cuts. This has halted all major real estate projects, which were crucial for the development and maintenance of judicial infrastructure.
- On the other hand, the Government of Madrid's accusations highlight the ongoing tension between regional and central administrations. The central government's promise of increased funding for 2025 has not alleviated the immediate financial pressures faced by the autonomous communities.
- The Ministry of the Treasury's announcement of record financing for 2025 is seen as a positive step, but the skepticism from regional governments indicates a lack of trust built over years of unmet promises and financial strain. This ongoing tension could lead to further complications in the negotiation of the new regional financing system.
- The recognition of Catalonia's uniqueness in the financing system is another contentious issue that could exacerbate the existing tensions between the central government and other autonomous communities, particularly Madrid.
