BTN News: Salvador Illa, the first secretary of the PSC, has ascended to a significant milestone in Catalan politics, becoming the 133rd president of the Generalitat de Cataluña. His historic victory comes as he secured a majority in the first round of voting, garnering 68 votes from the PSC, ERC, and Comuns, overcoming the 66 votes against him from parties such as JxCat, PP, Vox, CUP, and Aliança Catalana. Notably, Carles Puigdemont, who had earlier addressed supporters at Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, did not cast a vote. With his election, Illa joins the ranks of prominent leaders like Jordi Pujol, Pasqual Maragall, José Montilla, Artur Mas, Carles Puigdemont, Quim Torra, and Pere Aragonès, becoming the eighth leader of Catalonia since the restoration of the Parliament in 1980.
Illa’s ascension to the presidency is not only a pivotal moment politically but also places him in the unique position of being the highest-paid regional leader in Spain. According to the Generalitat’s transparency portal, Illa’s annual salary is set at an impressive €136,177.50, which breaks down to a monthly gross income of €9,726.96. This figure stands in stark contrast to the average salary of Spain’s regional presidents, which hovers around €87,206 per year. In comparison, Illa’s salary exceeds this average by a staggering €48,971. The next highest earners among regional leaders include the Basque Country’s Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu, with an annual salary of €113,278, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, who earns €103,090 annually. Other well-compensated leaders include the presidents of Aragón (€93,676), Castilla-La Mancha (€88,183), and Andalucía (€87,333).
Remarkably, Illa’s salary as the president of Catalonia surpasses even that of Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, who earns €90,010 per year. The €46,000 difference underscores the unique financial position that Illa now occupies as the head of Catalonia. This distinction not only highlights the significant financial responsibilities of the role but also reflects the broader economic considerations at play in regional governance.
As Illa steps into his new role, he carries with him the weight of Catalonia’s rich political history, with a lineage of leadership dating back to the medieval origins of the Generalitat in the 14th century. His tenure is expected to bring new challenges and opportunities as he navigates the complex political landscape of Catalonia, all while being under the spotlight for his unprecedented salary. The implications of his presidency will likely extend beyond the borders of Catalonia, influencing broader discussions about regional autonomy, financial governance, and political leadership in Spain.
Salvador Illa’s presidency marks a new chapter for Catalonia, one that will be closely watched not just for its political impact but also for the financial dynamics it introduces. As the highest-paid regional leader in Spain, Illa’s decisions and leadership style will undoubtedly shape the future of Catalonia in profound ways, setting the stage for a new era in the region’s storied history.
