SMEs ask the Government to keep the pro-independence process “within the law”

Barcelona (CNA).- Catalonia’s main SME association, Pimec, has emphasised its full support for Catalonia’s right to decide its political future, but called for the government to keep the pro-independence process “within the law”. “Let’s do things, but let’s do them right and with common sense” stated Pimec’s president Josep González in an interview with CNA. González also urged the new executive to approve a new budget as soon as possible and fight against unemployment. The association head went on to celebrate the election of the new Catalan Minister for Business and Knowledge, Jordi Baiget, and defined him as “prudent, open-minded and educated”. On the other hand, González expressed his doubts regarding the new executive’s separation of the Business and Employment ministries in this new executive. 

“A process like this is complicated and having 48% of the citizens’ support is not the same as having 63%” he stated, referring to the percentage of people whom voted for pro-independence forces in the last Catalan elections, “this requires some caution”. “There are some businesspeople within Pimec whom support Catalonia’s independence and others who don’t. We have to represent them all” emphasised González, but admitted that in the event of the celebration of a binding and legal referendum where the pro-independence option wins, Pimec “will not oppose”. However, he insisted on the need to do things “within the law”. “Let’s do things, but let’s do them right and with common sense”.

New budget to be approved “as soon as possible”

González also suggested that by not approving a new budget for 2016, the priorities of the new executive might not be achieved. Pimec’s president referred to the social measures that pro-independence cross-party list’ ‘Junts Pel Sí’ have set out to achieve during its term of office. “Companies adjust their budget according to the measures they want to develop” he stated and added that “by extending the current budget, it would be a fluke that they would match with the current situation”. According to González, “it would be ideal to present a new budget and to approve it as soon as possible”. 

The Pimec head also celebrated the election of the new Catalan Minister for Business and Knowledge, Jordi Baiget, and defined him as “prudent, open-minded and educated”. On the other hand, González expressed his doubts regarding the new executive’s separation of the Business and Employment ministries in this new executive. “I guess that there are parties’ compromises, but it is still a problem to separate these two areas”, he stated.

Spanish Liquidity Point

González also referred to the Spanish Liquidity Point (FLA), the mechanism through which Catalonia has access to its corresponding funds from the Spanish Government. “It is not acceptable that FLA payment would depend on the relationship between the Spanish and Catalan governments” he lamented. Pimec’s president asked the Spanish government to set up “a more automatic” payment system to avoid suppliers and business having to face the same problems again.