Spanish PM to meet with ERC chief to discuss new fiscal model for Catalonia on January 8

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the ledaer of pro-independence Esquerra Republicana, Oriol Junqueras, will meet on Thursday, January 8, in Madrid.

The pair will discuss the new fiscal model for Catalonia, a result of the deal between the Socialists and Esquerra to support Salvador Illa for Catalan president. 

"ERC is in no hurry, but Catalan society is," Junqueras said regarding the new financial model.

In an interview with newspaper El Periodico, the Catalan independence leader said that during the next week it will be specified what additional resources Catalonia would receive in this new model.

Although the financial model is the central objective, Junqueras said the negotiations are "global," meaning other topics will be discussed such as forgiveness of debt, the collection of personal income tax, the investment consortium for Catalonia, and the governance of the airport, among other commitments acquired.

On the other hand, Junqueras warned that this meeting will not be enough for ERC to open up to negotiating budget plans, as he stressed that both the financial model and the collection of personal income tax must be unblocked before such conversations can take place.

Regarding the joint venture of the Rodalies commuter rail network, the Republican leader assured that it will be established "in the coming days."

Last summer, the Catalan and Spanish governments simultaneously greenlighted the creation of the joint Rodalies de Catalunya company. The joint enterprise, featuring Renfe with 50.1% ownership and the Catalan government with 49.9%, will manage the Rodalies commuter train network in the territory.

The emerging enterprise will handle the infrastructure with its "own criteria" based on needs and the regional knowledge of the network.