Ximo Puig, who currently represents Spain before the OECD in Paris, defended the new autonomous funding model this Thursday in Vinaròs. During a colloquium at the Casa de la Cultura, organized by the PSPV-PSOE, Puig emphasized that the central government's proposal would bring an additional 3.6 billion euros annually to the Valencian Community, a figure he considers fundamental for strengthening public services.
“"We are not facing a partisan debate, but a fundamental tool to guarantee healthcare, education, and social services."
The former president insisted that this is the first time in years that a reform clearly benefiting Valencians has been proposed. He was particularly critical of the current Consell's refusal to negotiate the model, stating that it is absurd to reject a solution that provides more than triple what was requested in Madrid. According to Puig, saying no to these resources is turning one's back on the interests of the Valencian Community, and better funding would allow action on structural problems such as depopulation or lack of infrastructure in inland regions.
Regarding the demands of the current president, Juanfran Pérez Llorca (PP), to include a transitional equalization fund, Puig said he would agree to its consideration, but that the fundamental aspect is to enter into negotiations for the model that would bring 3.6 billion more each year. On the request to include historical debt, he maintained that they have always defended it and that there is another announced government action route regarding this debt, but that the national PP is against discussing this historical debt.
Finally, Puig expressed confidence that the Minister of Finance, Arcadi España, who served as a minister in his autonomous government, would promote an agreement to correct what he has called a “historical debt” with the Valencian Community.
