Several autonomous communities in Spain, including Aragón, Galicia, Andalucía, Murcia, Castilla y León, Madrid, Extremadura, and the Balearic Islands, announced on Tuesday their intention to file a contentious administrative appeal with the Supreme Court. They are urging the head of the Government to convene the Conference of Presidents, which has not met for over two years. These communities believe it is essential to hold this meeting to address critical issues such as irregular immigration and regional funding.
The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and his regional leaders discussed the need for this conference during a relaxed lunch in Madrid following a National Executive Board meeting of the PP. This gathering was organized to review the political year’s developments.
The party and its 14 regional presidents, along with the representatives of two autonomous cities, have repeatedly requested that Prime Minister Sánchez call the Conference of Presidents, citing it as his “legal obligation.” They made this joint appeal on two occasions: November 24, 2023, and April 24, 2024.
On the latter occasion, the PP’s regional governments sent a letter to Pedro Sánchez insisting on the “immediate and urgent” convocation of the conference, which has been inactive for two years and four months. In their letter, they highlighted pressing topics such as the lack of updates to the regional funding system, the strengthening of the rule of law, citizen equality, the separation of powers, and legal security following the Amnesty Law. Recently, irregular immigration has also been added to the agenda.
The Secretary General of the PP, Cuca Gamarra, stated on Tuesday that it is “logical” for PP-led communities to approach the courts, given Sánchez’s failure to convene the Conference of Presidents. She emphasized that they have “grown tired” of his unfulfilled promises.
This request coincides with a significant meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Barcelona, where the Prime Minister will meet with the acting President of the Generalitat, Pere Aragonès. This meeting aims to sign an agreement to transfer management of the Minimum Vital Income to Catalonia, as announced by Moncloa.
This encounter comes during a crucial week for negotiations between the Socialists and ERC regarding a potential investment for Salvador Illa, the PSC leader, which needs to be secured soon based on the conditions outlined by the Republicans.
Last Friday, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, announced that her government would take legal action against the Prime Minister if the Conference of Presidents is not convened “immediately.” She highlighted that Sánchez has not called for a meeting since March 2022, thus violating the law which mandates that the conference should meet at least twice a year.
On Tuesday, Ayuso reiterated the necessity of calling the conference to address immigration issues, warning that “this is just the beginning” of more troubling developments, as criminal organizations are already aware of the patterns. She accused Sánchez of “deceiving” citizens and “turning a blind eye” to these matters over the years, emphasizing that this is not just an economic issue.
Other regional leaders from the PP also declared their intentions to take legal action. Juanma Moreno, the President of Andalucía, confirmed that his government would file a complaint against the Prime Minister’s inaction regarding the Conference of Presidents. He stressed the urgency of addressing pressing problems rather than delaying due to Sánchez’s personal interests.
Similarly, Jorge Azcón, the President of Aragón, announced plans for a contentious administrative appeal against the Supreme Court, stating, “We have asked the Government of Spain to listen to us.” He expressed that it was time to legally demand what is a right to discuss issues affecting the people of Aragón and Spain.
Fernando López Miras, the President of Murcia, is also preparing to file a complaint to compel the Prime Minister to fulfill his obligation to convene the Conference of Presidents. He mentioned the unsustainable situation, asserting that should their requests continue to be ignored, they will be left with no choice but to seek legal recourse.
Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, the President of the Junta de Castilla y León, indicated they would file the necessary appeal, urging the summoning of the Conference to address specific concerns like regional funding, immigration, and the shortage of medical professionals.
From Galicia, Alfonso Rueda insisted on an “immediate” meeting with the government, warning that if it does not materialize, they will advance with a complaint for non-compliance at their upcoming Consello meeting. He stated that the conference is crucial and legally obligatory, citing months of the government ignoring the law.
Extremadura’s government will also pursue legal actions against the Supreme Court. Regional President María Guardiola highlighted the conference as the highest political cooperation forum between the state and autonomous communities, underlining that the regulations require it to be convened at least biannually.
The Balearic government’s decision to file a contentious administrative appeal is a response to Sánchez’s failure to fulfill his obligation to convene this important assembly. The government in Valencia also emphasized the necessity for explanations concerning the management of migrant arrivals in Spain, calling for effective planning, coordination, and financing.
Cantabria’s government, too, has called for the Conference of Presidents, aiming to establish a comprehensive and strategic immigration policy rather than sporadic measures. The regional councilor criticized the Spanish government for shifting its responsibilities onto autonomous communities without truly addressing the underlying issues.
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