Zona de Azar Spain – Hard Rock Casino Complex Sparks Debate in Catalonia’s 2024 Budget Approval

Spain.- March 4th 2024 www.zonadeazar.com Earlier this week, Catalonia’s government, led by pro-independence Esquerra and the opposition Socialists, approved the 2024 budget, facing hurdles due to the contentious Hard Rock casino complex. The leisure facility, a point of contention for years, now holds the key to the €43bn budget approval.

The first parliamentary vote is set for mid-March, with the next two weeks crucial for garnering support. If successful, the final vote in early April awaits. However, the Comuns, a potential swing party, demands a rejection of the Hard Rock project, adding complexity to the situation.

Esquerra, caught in a dilemma between political and technical considerations, navigates the challenge. The Hard Rock project, proposed over a decade ago, originally named Barcelona World, aimed at six expansive theme parks but faced setbacks. In 2014, Hard Rock took over, downsizing to a casino complex with hotels, a pool, commercial area, and a conference center, igniting debates on environmental impact and economic models.

Stalled for years, the project awaits Urban Development Plan approval. Despite assurances, it lingers due to additional Climate Action Department reports. The Comuns issued an ultimatum, threatening budget withdrawal without project revocation, and proposed a 55% tax rate if approved.

Amidst controversy, Catalan President Pere Aragonès remains cautious, emphasizing the project’s fate lies with private investors. Economy Minister Natàlia Mas warns of economic claims if the project fails, while the CUP party plans a total budget amendment, signaling challenges in government agreements.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com