Catalonia's Shift: President Illa to Attend National Holiday in Madrid
In a notable departure from the actions of his pro-independence predecessors, the president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has announced his intention to attend the commemorative events of the National Holiday in Madrid on October 12. This decision marks a significant shift in the relationship between Catalonia and the Spanish government, as the last four Catalan presidents—Artur Mas, Carles Puigdemont, Quim Torra, and Pere Aragonès—did not participate in these ceremonies over the past thirteen years.
According to reports from La Vanguardia and confirmation from EFE sources, Illa aims to restore a sense of institutional normality in Catalonia, a goal that has proven challenging in the aftermath of the separatist movement known as the 'procés.' Illa’s move is seen as a step toward reconciliation and a strengthening of ties with the Spanish monarchy and government. José Montilla, the last socialist president of the Generalitat, attended the October 12 celebrations in 2010, representing a time before the rift deepened between Catalonia and Spain.
Since taking office, Illa has introduced several symbolic gestures to signal a return to normalcy, including the presence of the Spanish flag alongside the Catalan 'senyera' and the European flag during official events. This marks a stark contrast to the practice of his predecessors, who generally avoided such displays. Additionally, on September 18, Illa was received by King Felipe VI at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, marking the first time since 2015 that a head of the Catalan government met with the king.
The timing of Illa's attendance at the National Holiday comes amid a politically charged atmosphere surrounding discussions on regional financing reform. Earlier in the week, during the general political debate in the Parlament, the president reaffirmed his commitment to the investiture agreement between the PSC and ERC, which includes provisions for specific financial considerations for Catalonia.
On the final day of the political debate, resolutions proposed by the Catalan parties Junts and ERC will be voted on, demanding that the relationship with the Royal House not normalize. This backdrop sets the stage for significant attention on Illa during the upcoming national celebrations and highlights the tension between the different political factions within Catalonia.
In summary, Illa's decision to attend the National Holiday in Madrid could be interpreted as an effort to mend relationships and promote dialogue within the complex political landscape of Spain, while also challenging the status quo established by his predecessors. As Catalonia navigates its future, Illa's leadership will be pivotal in shaping both local policies and the broader relationship with the central government.
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