Spain’s opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo has pledged to sign a ‘contract’ with Andalucia before the next general election.
The leader of the Partido Popular (PP) promised major commitments in transport, security, water infrastructure and regional financing if he becomes prime minister.
Speaking at a rally in Alhaurin el Grande (Malaga) alongside regional president Juanma Moreno, Feijoo accused Pedro Sanchez’s government of ‘mistreating Andalucía’ by blocking projects and underfunding the region because it is governed by the PP.
‘There is no justification for the mistreatment this land is suffering,’ Feijoo said.
‘I take note of Andalucía’s needs, and before the elections I will return here to sign a public contract of commitments that I will carry out from La Moncloa.’
Promises to Andalucia
Feijoo outlined several priorities that would be included in this ‘contract’:
- Transport: He vowed to resolve the ‘constant breakdowns’ on AVE high-speed train routes between Madrid and Andalucía, criticising Transport Minister Óscar Puente for failing to act. A future PP minister, he promised, would visit Andalucía every three months to report on progress.
- Security: Feijoo said more resources and staff are needed for police and Guardia Civil units to combat drug gangs. ‘We need better teams with more means and more authority,’ he argued, warning that mafias are ‘destroying young people’s lives’ and using Andalucia as a gateway for drugs to Spain and Europe.
- Water: He pledged a national water pact to complete 118 delayed hydraulic projects in Andalucia, describing it as ‘unacceptable’ that the Junta had to step in to rescue them. ‘There will be water in Andalucía because you recycle it, you save it, and because it is vital for the population and for agri-food production,’ he said.
- Regional financing: Feijoo said he would ensure equality in Spain’s funding system, accusing Sánchez of privileging indebted and high-tax regions while punishing those, like Andalucia, that manage resources better. ‘The central government cannot be Andalucía’s worst opposition. It must be an ally, and I will be that ally,’ he declared.
Praise for Moreno, attack on Montero
Feijoo praised Juanma Moreno’s leadership, crediting him with bringing ‘prosperity, decency and opportunity” to a region that was “paralysed and rotten with corruption’ under PSOE governments.
He pointed to record low unemployment and tax cuts, claiming Andalucia is now the second region in Spain with the lowest tax burden.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
