Raquel González, spokesperson for the PP in the Juntas Generales de Bizkaia, has strongly criticized the PNV government's management in the territory. The party has emphasized its rejection of tax increases and its defense of competitiveness.
González has described the argument that tourists should pay for the wear and tear they cause as "simplistic," and has stressed that the revenue from the tax is not earmarked for specific purposes. According to her, "the town council can decide whether to use it to water that worn-out sidewalk or to hold a concert," meaning the measure does not guarantee direct reinvestment in improving tourist infrastructure.
“"We believe that tourism is an opportunity, not a danger for the development of Bizkaia"
González has described the agreement between the PNV and EH Bildu to modify the Public Employment Law and secure the Basque language in public examinations as "another aberration." In her opinion, this measure places "second-class citizens" on all those who do not master Basque. The spokesperson has indicated that legislation is being made "behind the back of the sociolinguistic reality."
According to the figures she has provided, "barely 30% of the population has the necessary qualification to access one of these public employment exams," while the habitual use of Basque in a city like Bilbao does not exceed 5%. "Basque is being done a disservice with all that is happening," stated González, who advocates for "adjusting the reality of the public employment exams to the reality of the street" and setting aside the "nationalist and obsessive roadmap."
“"We collect a lot, we have increasingly fair services, but then we make record collections and have 700 million left over. Well, all of this doesn't add up"
In fiscal matters, the PP has denounced that the PNV, PSE, and Podemos "squeeze the people of Biscay with taxes" while the provincial treasuries record collection figures. González has questioned the coherence of having a surplus of 700 million euros and, at the same time, not alleviating the tax burden on families and businesses.
The Popular Party's approach is clear: lower taxes to stimulate investment and consumption. As an example of success, González has mentioned the audiovisual sector: "Now, Netflix, all the series are recorded in Vizcaya, that's because taxes were lowered." According to her defense, this formula has already proven its effectiveness in other communities such as Madrid or Andalusia.
Finally, González has criticized the attitude of the provincial government, accusing it of responding to scrutiny with "we do everything well and you always come to complain." She has insisted that the opposition's job is to point out management failures, not to make personal attacks. "The technicians do what they can with their management, and the services in general function with their disastrous management," she concluded.
