President Illa calls for budget deal to sustain economic growth

During a business gala in Sabadell, the Catalan leader defended housing market intervention to business elites.

Generic image of a podium with microphones during a business event.
IA

Generic image of a podium with microphones during a business event.

The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, called on ERC this February 24 to negotiate the 2026 regional budget during the Company of the Year awards.

In his first public appearance following medical leave, Illa highlighted Catalonia's strong economic performance, noting that GDP growth remains significantly above the European average. He emphasized that new financial accounts are vital for small and medium-sized enterprises.

"The market alone will not solve the problem. We cannot do nothing."

Salvador Illa · President of Catalonia
Addressing business leaders, the President justified recent agreements to limit real estate speculation, stating that high housing costs are becoming a major barrier to attracting skilled labor and maintaining industrial competitiveness.