The transfer of powers to territories such as Euskadi, proposals for new regional financing models, and the Government's agreements with nationalist parties have reopened the debate on whether Spain is moving towards a more federal structure. This idea, despite generating apprehension, is driven by a political reality where governability increasingly depends on territorial balances and the growing influence of autonomous communities.
“"Despite Spain having many federalizing features, no progress has been made on the reforms that would make it a federal system, such as that of the Senate, the clarification of powers, or the improvement of intergovernmental cooperation instruments."
Political scientist Astrid Barrio, from the University of Valencia, points out that despite federalizing characteristics, key reforms such as that of the Senate or the clarification of powers have not been implemented. She attributes the increased weight of autonomous communities to the fragmentation of the party system and the absence of absolute majorities, which generate mutual dependencies between different levels of government.
Former president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, has advocated for years for a federal Spain as a democratic evolution. Currently, as Spain's ambassador to the OECD, he maintains that the country is already highly decentralized but laments the lack of federal cooperative instruments, especially in the functioning of the Senate, which he considers a second-reading chamber rather than a space for territorial representation.
“"Federalism is not distancing, but quite the opposite. It is for the federal Generalitat to exercise its powers and, in addition, to contribute when appropriate."
Joan Ribó, former mayor of València for Compromís, shares the view that the autonomous State has many quasi-federal connotations, with autonomous communities possessing significant powers. However, he agrees with Puig on the need for better political articulation of the model, also highlighting the failed role of the Senate as a territorial chamber.
“"The federal model is essential for creating a stable State."
In contrast, former president Alberto Fabra (PP) rejects federalism, arguing that Spain is already one of the most decentralized countries in Europe. According to Fabra, the debate should not focus on new labels, but on effectively operating within the current constitutional framework, as the autonomous State offers sufficient autonomy to develop its own policies.
“"What does federalism offer you that the autonomous State does not? I believe it offers you nothing."
Beyond the disagreements on the model, all actors agree on the crucial importance of regional financing. Fabra argues that this debate is often used to overshadow the demand for fair financing. For his part, Puig sees an opportunity in the current Government proposal, emphasizing the need for loyalty and empathy among autonomous communities. Ribó, meanwhile, links the lack of funding to subordination to central decisions and the difficulty of investing in public services.
The territorial question has become a weapon of political confrontation, hindering a calm debate. Astrid Barrio highlights that political fragmentation and the rise of maximalist positions, such as those of Vox questioning the autonomous State or separatism, complicate agreements. Fabra attributes the tension to imbalances and concessions to some territories over others, while Puig and Ribó point to the far-right for using territorial confrontation as a political tool, fueling a vision of Spain that does not reflect its diversity.
