Shared housing scheme voted down
The Catalan Parliament rejected on Thursday a proposal by President Salvador Illa for the Generalitat to co-purchase apartments with individuals over 40, aiming to improve access to housing. The motion failed due to the abstention of the Comuns group, which holds a key position in the governing coalition. Despite support from the PSC-Units, ERC and Comuns factions, the chamber did not back the specific measure for joint ownership arrangements. The Comuns spokesperson, David Cid, stated his group will not support any new government proposals until previously agreed commitments are fulfilled.
We will not back any measure until they fulfil what has already been agreed upon.
Government avoids censure vote
Junts had tabled a motion to censure Illa over alleged mismanagement, lack of parliamentary respect and failure to defend Catalonia’s interests. The proposal received 26 votes in favour from Junts, PP, Vox and Aliança, but was defeated by 68 votes against from the pro-government bloc of PSC, ERC and Comuns, with CUP abstaining. Junts argued that Illa governs with "incompetence" and "submission" to Madrid, citing failures in Rodalies services, education, healthcare and housing policy. However, the majority that invested him in office held firm.
Tax and housing commissions approved
Several cross-party agreements were reached. A jointly backed motion by PSC and ERC to establish an expert commission on taxation incentives for home acquisition was approved. This follows the validation of Decret Llei 2/2025 on urgent housing and urban measures, which passed unanimously for further processing as a full bill. Additionally, Parliament supported lowering the property transfer tax (ITP) on first homes, a point endorsed by Junts, ERC, PP, Vox and the Comuns. The chamber also backed a resolution urging the Spanish government to finalise Catalonia’s new financing model by 1 January.
Amnesty and infrastructure demands
ERC’s motion calling for the "total and immediate" application of the amnesty law passed, condemning what it described as the "antidemocratic blocking attitude" of certain courts. Only PP and Vox opposed, with Aliança abstaining. Most parties reiterated demands for urgent investment in Rodalies reliability and reductions in healthcare waiting lists. In education, a PSC initiative to recognise teachers as public authority passed with support from PSC, ERC, Vox and Aliança, though opposed by Junts and CUP.
Reported by 3cat.cat, Parlament de Catalunya, lavanguardia.com, Odei A.-Etxearte, rtve.es, parlament.cat, elpais.com, elnacional.cat, 3CatInfo Barcelona.
