Isabel Díaz Ayuso delivered a calm and measured speech, less confrontational than on other occasions. She noted that this past year marked one of her clearest political victories over Sánchez, as the Attorney General of the State was convicted for a crime of revealing secrets.
This week, the Madrid Assembly will approve the third regional public accounts of the legislative term, a stark contrast to the paralysis of Sánchez's government, which has been unable to pass a single budget in recent years due to its weakness.
Ayuso denounced that the national government wants to include a measure in the new regional financing system to prevent the Community of Madrid from lowering taxes for its residents. She accused the president of being obsessed with Madrid and attempting to boycott two of the region's defining features: low taxes and its successful healthcare model.
The regional president also dismissed Sánchez's announcement of a unified 60-euro transport pass as 'electoralist.' She ironically stated that her government is 'strange' because it keeps its promises and passes budgets.
The PSOE of Madrid quickly announced it would push all city councils to adopt motions for the Madrid transport system to join the national unified pass. However, sources in the regional government question whether this measure will be fulfilled, blaming the policies of the central government.
A flagship promise of the PP's electoral program in Madrid was a half-point reduction in the regional income tax. The region is also considering further tax cuts, but any decision will depend on the economic and financial situation, sources close to the president have warned.
Ayuso's main accusation against the prime minister is that he 'punishes' Madrid. She cited the announcement of the 60-euro national transport pass as a recent example, calling it 'electoralist.' She also accused the government of 'under-financing' the region, claiming it owes over 10.5 billion euros for unpaid public services and benefits.
In response, Madrid's socialists refuted these figures, stating that the Spanish government has transferred 129 billion euros to the region in 7 years, 43 billion more than under Mariano Rajoy.
Ayuso also listed other 'oddities' of her regional government: it holds press conferences without selecting which media to answer, hosts annual 'State of the Region' debates, does not encourage boycotts of public-interest events, does not spend what it does not have, is austere in public dimension and structure, has concrete future plans, and maintains a consistent record without changing its stance.
