Esquerra paves way for Spain's budget bill to pass after deal on Catalan-language production quota

Esquerra Republicana, the left-wing pro-independence party and senior coalition partner in Catalonia, has paved the way for the Spanish government budget bill to pass after reaching an agreement regarding a Catalan-language production quota in the yet-to-be approved audiovisual law.

The percentage of films and series in Catalan and Spain's other co-official languages that will have to be available on streaming services will be negotiated by December 31. 

18 million euros for grants managed by the Catalan government "transferred immediately" while ERC and the Spanish government will "continue to work towards" having Catalonia oversee the targeted basic income in an agreement similar to that reached between Madrid and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV). 

Junts and CUP reject bill

Unlike the other main parties in favor of independence in Catalonia, junior partners Junts per Catalunya and far-left CUP, ERC will only seek minor changes rather than challenging the bill in its entirety.

Backing the bill is to "vote in favor of only getting half of the budgeted money," Junts' congressional spokesperson Míriam Nogueras argued. 

CUP, meanwhile, put forth an alternative text in favor of a referendum on independence, an amnesty for those embroiled in legal proceedings regarding the movement, as well as policies that favor a more equitable distribution of wealth. 

PDeCAT, on the other hand, already stated a week and a half ago that it would back the budget in the name of "constructive dialogue."

Although the conservative People's Party and far-right Vox, in addition to Junts and CUP, among others, will vote against the bill, it is expected to be approved in Congress on November 4.