Spain strangulates Catalonia

The problems of lack of liquidity and resources that the government of Catalonia is facing are caused largely by the economic asphyxia to which the Government of Spain subjugates the Government of Catalonia. As far as social policy is concerned, the contribution of the State towards Catalonia has been reduced by 92% in the last three years. Compared to the 72.8 million euro that it received in 2011, the Generaliltat (Catalan government) will end up receiving 5.8 million in 2013 (according to the general budget of the State).

This drastic reduction in the State contribution to social policies affects all the social programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Family:

• The agreed budget on basic social services, which involves the maintenance of a network of social primary care services, and  which is managed by local authorities, has fallen by 68.31%—from €12,293,386 in 2011 to €3,896,106 in 2013.

• The comprehensive social intervention project for care, prevention of exclusion and inclusion of Roma people has undergone a reduction of 61.48%—a decline from €99,629 in 2011 to €38,374 in 2013.

• The so-called dependence plan agreed level has been reduced by 100% and it has received no contribution whatsoever since 2011.

• The support fund for the reception, integration and reinforcement of immigrants has been reduced by 100% and no contribution has been received for this since 2011.

• The program and the provision of services which guarantee the right of victims of domestic violence to receive comprehensive social assistance has been reduced by 19.88%—from €632,408 in 2011 to €506,676 in 2013.

All this adds up to a reduction of 92% in the contribution by the State for the Government of Generalitat to carry out its social policies, forcing it to make an ever increasing effort to try and ensure it provides due care to vulnerable people living in Catalonia.

Thus, the Spanish government stifles citizens of Catalonia, carrying out a dirty, quiet war against Catalonia’s democratic independence process. In addition to these data, it should also be borne in mind that the Spanish government actually owes the government of Catalonia 8 billion euro –which it decided it will just not pay.