Illa Defends Catalonia's Funding, Ayuso Walks Out of Tense Conference

Catalan President Defends Single Funding Amidst Tensions at Conference of Presidents The Conference of Presidents in Spain was marked by significant tension on June 7th, 2025, when a debate about Catalonia's unique funding model sparked a heated exchange. Catalan president, Salvador Illa, firmly defended the funding model, stating in a post-conference press conference, "I won't let anyone tell me what to do in my own house." This statement reflects the strong stance taken by Illa against criticism from several PP regional presidents. The tension escalated when Madrid's president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, walked out of the conference in protest of interventions made in both Catalan and Basque languages. Illa, however, viewed the use of multiple languages positively, emphasizing their role in uniting rather than dividing. He expressed gratitude to other regional leaders who, he believes, "see these languages as a collective asset." The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Catalonia's financial autonomy and the importance of linguistic diversity within Spain's political landscape. The event underscores the complexities of navigating diverse cultural and political viewpoints within a unified nation.