Juanma Moreno, the President of the Junta de Andalucía, delivered a powerful address on the 28th of February, marking Día de Andalucía, where he emphasized the pressing need for equitable funding for the region. Held at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Sevilla, the event was charged with fervent applause as Moreno laid bare the financial challenges faced by the autonomous community amid increasing tensions over debt and funding reform.
"Without fair funding for our land, without the resources we demand and deserve, the self-government of Andalucía diminishes and the rights of Andalusians are limited," Moreno declared, echoing sentiments he has voiced consistently throughout his political tenure. His statement was met with enthusiastic shouts of "Bravo!" and applause from those present, clearly reflecting the support for his message.
Moreno's comments come at a time of political strain between the regional government and the national administration, particularly with María Jesús Montero, the current Minister of Finance and former advisor to the Andalusian government, who sat prominently during the proceedings. His insistence on the necessity of actual financial resources - "euros on the table, not just numbers on paper" - pointed out the inadequacy of what he termed "accounting illusionism" to meet the infrastructural needs of Andalucía, such as roads, hospitals, and schools.
The President argued for a comprehensive discussion about the reform of the autonomous financing system, instead of merely discussing the forgiveness of existing debts. He asserted, "Andalucía fulfills its fiscal responsibilities to both Spain and Europe, and our issue is the lack of financial resources. We need real euros. The money currently exists only on paper does not build roads or healthcare facilities.”
Moreno also took this occasion to reiterate the solidary nature of Andalucía. "Andalucía is supportive of others," he stated, "but no one should confuse solidarity with naivete. We must uphold the common treasury of all Spaniards, which supports the welfare state, and advocate for Spain without privileges, with equal rights and obligations for everyone." This notion of equality among Spaniards was central to his speech, mirroring the celebratory yet serious atmosphere of the day.
Beyond economic points, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of the Andalusian people and the political stability of the region. "Andalucía does not seek confrontation, but rather dialogue, respect, and tolerance, standing as one open community," he expressed, hoping to steer away from divisive politics. Referring to the future of Andalucía, he stated, "Let us be what we are: an open, tolerant, and serene community. We do not wish to adopt the divisions seen elsewhere.”
The speech acknowledged Montero’s previous positions on financial matters when she served as the Minister of Finance for Andalucía, reinforcing Moreno's claim rooted historically and politically. Reflecting on their shared governance history, Moreno reminded the audience of Montero's earlier insistence on reform accompanying any debt forgiveness proposals.
The day also featured Moreno underscoring recent positive economic developments within Andalucía, claiming it as one of the regions with the most significant declines in unemployment across Spain and home to burgeoning new businesses, with 8 out of 10 new registrations occurring within his community.
He pointed to the establishment of strategies such as the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, which he suggested would be pivotal for the region's economic future. "Andalucía is on track to be the leading economy this year," he asserted, highlighting regional achievements as sources of pride.
Moreno's rhetoric stressed equality, articulately outlining his vision for the region within the larger Spanish framework. He insisted on the necessity of expected financial reform to balance the fiscal allocation across communities, asserting, "The current framework unfairly disadvantages Andalucía. We need fairer allocation to safeguard our rights as well as our future.”
Moreno concluded his speech by calling upon all Andalusians to embrace their identity and work collectively to build upon the cultural and social heritage, reinforcing their shared dreams and prospects. This optimistic view was counterposed with the seriousness of the financial demands, encapsulated by his call for immediate action toward necessary reforms.
Moreno’s address, layered with both celebration and demand, set the scene for continued dialogue around Andalucía's rights and needs, especially as the debates on financing reform intensify amid changing national political dynamics. He left the audience with words of unity and purpose, urging for the revitalization of their commitments to equality and self-governance, underscoring, "What we celebrate today is what unites us - the promise of Andalucía’s future, made brighter through our collective efforts."