MÁS per Mallorca rejects Montero's funding proposal

PalmFront page of MÁS for Mallorca on the proposed reform of regional financing by the Spanish government sent this message to the regional governments on WednesdayThe party leader, Lluís Apesteguia, aligned himself with the Balearic Islands government in criticizing the central government for failing to include "any of the islands' historical demands" in the proposed model. "The ordinality criterion is not being applied, the transient population, population growth, and the difference in the cost of living for Balearic Islanders are not being taken into account," he lamented, also denouncing the reduction in the weight given to the insularity criterion. Therefore, the PSOE has warned that, for now, the MÉS representative in Congress, Vicenç Vidal, opposes the proposal and will vote accordingly if no changes are introduced.

"ERC's determination has opened a window of opportunity," he said, referring to the preliminary agreement between the PSOE and the Republicans. Apesteguia also welcomed the State's commitment to allocating more resources to funding: "It's about slimming down the State at the expense of the autonomous communities." He also praised the creation of a climate fund that benefits Mediterranean territories and the establishment of a horizontal redistribution system. However, he insisted that, in general terms, the proposal by the First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, is "detrimental to the Islands." "We are second in per capita contributions and tenth in receiving, and with this proposal our situation worsens," he lamented, emphasizing the diminished weight given to the insularity criterion: "It's an insult to the citizens of the Islands, because it has a direct impact on the cost of services." On the other hand, the new model would give more weight to territories with dispersed populations and smaller size, whereas the Balearic Islands are a region with little territory and a high population density. "It's also unclear what will happen with VAT revenue," whether a higher percentage than the current one will be refunded to the regions.

Regarding the Spanish government's projections that the Balearic Islands would receive an additional 412 million euros under the new model, Apesteguia stated that this is simply because "much more money is being put on the table." "Of the total amount," which amounts to 21 billion euros, "only 1.95% goes to the Islands, even though we represent 2.55% of the population." "If we calculate it per capita, the figure comes to 334 euros, so we would be the eighth-largest recipient and the third-largest contributor, placing us 33.4% below the average," he continued. According to the party's calculations, he explained, the Balearic Islands currently contribute 3,248 euros per capita to the system, almost 600 euros above the average. "In terms of actual revenue, if we calculate it using purchasing power parity, it amounts to €2,867 per inhabitant, 1.5 percent below the average," he continued. With the new system, the islands would receive €3,201 per inhabitant, 5.88 percent below the average for all regions, which is €3,388 per person. "We are being proposed for thirteenth place on the list, and the trend indicates it will only get worse," he continued.

"We will not allow the citizens of the Islands to be discriminated against again, especially not under the pretext of blackmail regarding having more money," Apesteguia insisted. For this reason, the MÉS per Mallorca executive committee has agreed not to support the proposal. "The Islands are entitled to at least an extra €1 billion because we are aligned with the average," he continued. Meanwhile, despite rejecting the PP's fiscal policies, the eco-sovereignist has defended the fiscal autonomy of the territories in the face of the Spanish government's attempt to limit it through the new system. Currently, the MÁS deputy in Congress is not indispensable to the PSOE. However, the political landscape is fluid, and his vote could prove decisive if, for example, Junts, ERC, EH Bildu, and the PNV were to vote in favor, but Compromís were to vote against. For this reason, Apesteguia has criticized the fact that they were not invited to negotiate. "If someone wants your vote, they should sit down with you to talk," he said. He also criticized the Balearic Government for not presenting a proposal with figures outlining what the Islands are demanding for the financing model.