Amidst a growing tariff crisis between the European Union and China, the Deputy Secretary of Economy of the Popular Party, john bravo, sent a firm message to Pedro Sánchez's government this Monday: he will not count on a blank check from the PP to address the situation. "It seems logical that the PP's proposals be taken into account," he stressed in separate interviews. The Mornings from RNE and The Morning of Andalusia from Canal Sur Radio.
Bravo has denounced that the president's management Sánchez faces the tariff crisis has been marked by a worrying disconnection with the community institutions. Referring to the head of the executive branch's recent trip to China, the Popular Party leader warned: "Sánchez has acted independently, without coordinating with the European Union, when the solution to this crisis must be joint and consensual.".
“This isn’t about the PP or the PSOE, it’s about the citizens.”
In a complex economic context, aggravated by the trade conflict with China, Bravo insisted that the Popular Party will not oppose supporting an aid plan if it incorporates effective and consensual measures. "If the main objective is to help those affected, you have to build trust. And then it would be logical to share the information with the opposition leader you're asking for help."He said.
The Undersecretary of Economic Affairs also criticized the draft of the Royal Decree that the Government plans to approve in the Council of Ministers and which will be voted on in May in Congress. In his opinion, the current document "focuses on issues that are less important for businesses." Therefore, he demanded that the final text incorporate the PP's proposals if it is to secure parliamentary support.
Only 420 million in lost funds
In reference to the 14.100 millones de euros announced by the Government as part of the shock plan against the tariff crisis and other economic tensions, Bravo warned that "Only 420 million are non-refundable; the rest are loans that will or will not be requested."This composition, he explained, raises doubts about the real effectiveness of aid for the business community.
"Companies need a plan that allows them to view things with a bit more optimism. The government can't just want us to vote for what it proposes, without accepting anything we ask for," Bravo said, reiterating that The PP is willing to collaborate, but not to be a passive spectator..
European coordination, the key against China
One of the central axes of Bravo's message was the need for Spain to act under the community umbrella against the tariff crisisPedro Sánchez's visit to China has sparked controversy not only among his European partners, but also in economic sectors calling for a firm and unified stance.
"We have a chance if we do things right, but any move must be agreed upon with our European partners.", the Popular Party leader emphasized. In his opinion, the current situation offers a window to strengthen European competitiveness, provided we act intelligently and unite.
Juan Bravo also took the opportunity to denounce the delay in updating the advance payments to the autonomous communities. "We are still working with the 2023 payments, and the difference is huge," he criticized, referring to the Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero. This situation, he said, puts regions like Andalusia, which are making a significant effort to adjust and manage them efficiently, in a difficult situation.
A PP with proposals on the table
The popular leader insisted that the Popular Party will not limit itself to criticizing, but that it has a A battery of concrete proposals to address both the tariff crisis and the economic slowdown that Spain is experiencingThe party's president, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has presented an alternative plan that focuses on administrative simplification, tax reduction, and direct support for strategic sectors.
"The government is going to have a hard time saying no to what these sectors are asking for, even though the People's Party (PP) has put it on paper. It can't just be, 'You vote for what I want and I won't accept anything from you.'", Bravo said, appealing to institutional responsibility and the general interest above partisan interests.
“There can be no more improvisation”
Throughout his speech, Bravo warned of the risks of improvised management of a crisis with global impact. The tariff crisis, he warned, could trigger ripple effects on Spanish exports, domestic consumption, and inflation if action is not taken in a planned manner.
The Popular Party, as explained, demands transparency from the government, a genuine desire for agreement, and a comprehensive approach. Only in this way, it argued, will it be possible to design a solid and sustainable response that generates certainty for both citizens and the markets.
