Catalonia’s President, Salvador Illa, has called an urgent summit with all parliamentary group leaders. The aim is to forge a unified response to the growing economic threats from the escalating Middle East war. He made the announcement during a tense control session in the Parliament of Catalonia on Tuesday.

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The high-level meeting is scheduled for this Friday at 4 PM in the Palau de la Generalitat. Its purpose is to devise concrete measures. These measures will shield the region’s economy from potential fallout, especially from a sustained closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical chokepoint for global oil supplies could trigger substantial fuel price hikes.

A Call for Unity Amidst Division

During his parliamentary address, Salvador Illa emphasised the need for political cohesion amid a potential crisis. “All proposals are welcome,” he declared, appealing for “unity” across the political spectrum to navigate the challenges ahead. Simultaneously, the Catalan government approved a dedicated working group. This group will continuously monitor the war’s impact on Catalonia’s economy and society, as reported by news agency Europa Press.

Mònica Sales, parliamentary leader for Junts per Catalunya, proposed the summit, and Illa promptly accepted her suggestion. “We will attend with responsibility,” Sales confirmed, signalling a rare moment of cross-party consensus. This initiative emerges as Catalan business leaders voice increasing concern over the conflict’s potential toll on the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Budgetary Backdrop

The call for unity, however, unfolds against the backdrop of a fraught political battle over the government’s 2026 budget. Illa directly linked the Generalitat de Catalunya’s ability to respond effectively to any economic shock with the approval of his spending plan. “Stability has a name: budgets,” he asserted, clarifying that a robust financial framework is essential for crisis management.

The government’s budget hangs in the balance, as a crucial debate on amendments is scheduled just one week away. While Illa has secured Comuns Sumar’s support, he has yet to win over Esquerra Republicana (ERC), a key potential partner. ERC has tabled an amendment to block the entire budget. They demand the central Spanish government first fulfil its commitment to transfer control of personal income tax (IRPF) revenues to Catalonia.

“Fulfil the pending agreements,” ERC’s parliamentary leader, Josep Maria Jové, urged Illa, adding, “Do not fail the Catalan people again.” Many observers thus view the crisis summit as a strategic move by Illa. He aims to increase pressure on his rivals, framing budget approval as a matter of civic duty in uncertain times. Furthermore, the situation complicates as Junts has also demanded a full revision of the budget in light of the new geopolitical reality.

Sharp Exchanges in Parliament

Echoing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s stance, Illa declared a firm ‘No to war’ and used the session to challenge the positions of the right-wing opposition. According to reports from 20 Minutos, he questioned the Partido Popular (PP) on its opinion of the war and confronted Vox leader Ignacio Garriga directly.

After Garriga criticised spending on feminism and international cooperation, Illa accused his party of siding with figures like Donald Trump and Javier Milei. These figures, he claimed, “cut health and education or start wars.” He then posed a pointed question: “Are you with the Catalan people or are you with Trump?”

As Friday’s summit approaches, attention will focus on whether Catalonia’s political leaders can find common ground on economic safeguards. Alternatively, will deep divisions over the budget undermine the president’s call for a united front?