The Valencian Government demands 3 billion to address its financial crisis.

The Valencian Government is at a critical crossroads at a time that Ruth Merino, the Minister of Finance and Economy, has described as "the worst moment in our recent history." In this context, Merino has requested that the Spanish Government maintain the extraordinary Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA), which is essential to cover the projected excess deficit for 2024, amounting to a worrying 3 billion euros. This demand not only reflects the pressing financial needs of the Valencian Community but also the urgency for a solution that addresses the structural deficiencies affecting the region. Merino has expressed her concern about the uncertainty generated by the central Government, which has called into question the funding through the FLA due to the lack of approval of stability targets in Congress. According to the minister, this decision lacks technical justification, as the FLA has been a mechanism available since 2012 to address the deficits of the autonomous communities. "There is no reason to change the rules of the game," she stated, insisting that the Government must be aware of the reality facing the Valencian Community. It is important to note that the current situation is not new. In previous years, the Generalitat has relied on these funds to ensure its liquidity and meet its financial commitments. In 2020 and 2021, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valencian Community received nearly 3 billion euros in extraordinary funding that did not have to be repaid, allowing for some stability during a crisis. Merino emphasized that this type of support is more necessary than ever, given the economic and social context that many families and businesses in the region are experiencing. The minister underscored the importance of the FLA not only for the financial stability of the Generalitat but also for the functioning of essential services such as healthcare and education. The business association of the Valencian Community has backed this request, warning about the repercussions that a lack of funding could have on the normal development of administrative activities and on meeting commitments with suppliers. Attention to public services is no minor issue; the Valencian administration faces enormous challenges in health, education, and social welfare. As the region recovers from the effects of the DANA (a weather phenomenon) that affected the Valencian Community on October 29, the urgency to finance social and economic reconstruction becomes even more evident. The minister emphasized that support from the central Government is crucial to tackling these challenges, which add to the structural underfunding problems that the community has suffered for years. In this regard, Merino has called for a non-repayable fund for the reconstruction of the Valencian Community. This request arises from the need to create a space of trust and stability that allows the Generalitat to make essential investments and ensure the long-term well-being of its citizens. The minister explained that the recovery of the Valencian Community depends not only on funding capacity but also on the political will to recognize the uniqueness of the region's economic situation. Tensions between the Generalitat and the central Government are intensifying as the year 2024 approaches, a year that presents a major challenge. Uncertainty over funding and the lack of clarity in the Government's stance regarding the extraordinary FLA could have serious consequences for regional administration. Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance continues to advocate for a constructive and collaborative approach that allows for a beneficial solution for both parties. The future of the Valencian Community hangs by a thread, and the next steps of the central Government and the response to the Generalitat's demands will be crucial in determining whether the region can weather the impending economic storm. The minister reiterated that this is not just a matter of numbers but of the dignity and rights of citizens who demand quality public services and an adequate response to the crises they face. In summary, the Valencian Government's claim for 3 billion euros from the extraordinary FLA reflects an urgent need for financial stability and a commitment to social welfare. How the Spanish Government manages this situation will be decisive for the future of the Valencian Community and its inhabitants. Undoubtedly, this is a critical moment that will require reflection, dialogue, and, above all, action.