Catalan President Salvador Illa has launched a scathing attack on Madrid’s leadership, accusing the Spanish capital of enjoying unfair privileges while lecturing other regions on solidarity.
In a radio interview on Monday, Illa directly challenged Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, describing the capital’s fiscal model as “selfish” and harmful to regional balance. “Lowering taxes, lowering taxes, lowering taxes, but asking for more resources, more resources, more resources—that is not solidarity,” he declared.
The Catalan leader argued that Madrid’s status as Spain’s political and economic centre gives it an advantage at the expense of other regions. He also condemned resistance to redistributing unaccompanied migrant children, stressing that Catalonia is the second-largest host after the Canary Islands. By contrast, he called the Balearic Islands’ refusal to participate “disappointing narrow-minded politics.”
Illa insisted Catalonia has always shouldered its share of responsibility, rejecting what he called “hypocrisy” from leaders who avoid difficult commitments. “We will not accept lessons from those who block solidarity in practice while demanding it from others,” he said.
Turning to the European stage, Illa voiced confidence that Catalan, Basque, and Galician would soon gain official EU status “within months rather than years.” He blamed the conservative Popular Party for obstructing the process, accusing them of pressuring European institutions to stall recognition.
The remarks underscore Illa’s push for a new regional financing model, which he pledged to advance with “courage and consensus” in the coming months. For Catalonia, he argued, the issue is not privilege—but fairness.
