The Generalitat of Catalonia, led by President Salvador Illa, is facing criticism after reports that a 96-year-old woman who is blind and deaf was denied assistance under Spain’s dependency care system.
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According to complaints circulating publicly, the elderly woman was refused benefits intended to support people with severe physical limitations and those requiring daily care. The case has sparked outrage among some residents and opposition voices, who argue that vulnerable local citizens are being neglected.
The controversy has intensified amid separate concerns over the regional government’s allocation of healthcare and social service resources, including assistance for foreign patients transferred into Catalonia’s public system. Critics claim the administration is prioritizing migrants and non-residents over long-term local residents, though officials have not publicly confirmed those accusations.
Supporters of the dependency system note that eligibility decisions are typically based on technical assessments, legal criteria, and available documentation, rather than political considerations. They also argue that healthcare and social assistance for migrants are managed under separate legal obligations.
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So far, the Generalitat has not issued a detailed public response regarding the individual case. The incident is likely to fuel broader debate over social spending, access to care, and the pressure on public services in Catalonia.
