Catalonia will be one of the few autonomous communities to approve budgets this year. Oriol Junqueras has just given the green light to the Generalitat’s accounts. Also the Comuns. Salvador Illa will thus be able to reach the end of the legislature in 2028, which will consolidate a period of stability in Catalonia at a very turbulent moment in Spanish politics.
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Were you surprised by Zapatero’s indictment?
We are against corruption everywhere, in any circumstance and by anyone. At the same time, we know that many of these processes have been based on false evidence. Therefore, our commitment against corruption is absolute and so is our skepticism towards certain judicial processes.
From zero to ten, where would you place that skepticism?
Well, at the level corresponding to someone who was sentenced to many years in prison when everyone knew he was innocent. Therefore, a lot of skepticism.
Do you think this period of collaboration with Pedro Sánchez for Catalonia has been fruitful?
In some aspects yes and in others, no. Among the positives, 8 billion committed to fixing Rodalies and medium-distance trains. Is it enough? No. Catalonia deserves infrastructures that work. We continue working on what is insufficient.
For example…
We work on issues such as hydrogen, helium production for semiconductor manufacturing, or reducing the electricity tariff applicable to industry. Depending on how the negotiations end, we will make a positive or negative assessment.
Zapatero’s Indictment
“We are against corruption. At the same time, we are skeptical of certain processes”
The discourse and emphasis are placed on different issues compared to a few years ago.
We have every intention for Catalonia to be a free and independent country with all the resources and powers. We are convinced that the best way to do this is by building large majorities, and the best way to build these majorities is to show society that we try to help it as much as possible. For us, everyday life, immediacy, and the concreteness of the great ideals that ERC has always represented are inseparable.
Now you collaborate with the socialists. Before, with Junts. Why is this confluence no longer happening with Puigdemont’s group?
Whatever the reason, our will is for it to happen. It would be of little use for me to say it is because they do something wrong. If I say it, they won’t take it well and will be less willing to collaborate. What matters is our willingness to collaborate with all parties and economic and social agents working for Catalonia.
This week the budget agreement was reached. Are they valid for the entire legislature?
They are good budgets because they address everyday problems and do so through very important budget items, such as 500 million for education. They also address the country’s future planning with the orbital train, the free zone consortium, the deployment of the tax agency, or the investment consortium.
But some of these agreements depend on Congress, or could be jeopardized by a change of government. What guarantees are there?
A change of government should not make governments break the commitments they have. Accepting as normal that parties can alter commitments signed by governments speaks very badly of Spanish democracy. ERC will do everything possible to ensure they are fulfilled. But it would be good if everyone helped us because it is good for Catalonia.
The pact focuses on rehabilitating housing. President Illa also advocates building and densifying more. Is that compatible?
Building housing is very important, but rehabilitating it even more. There are neighborhoods in L’Hospitalet or districts in Barcelona that have a higher population density than Calcutta. The densification process has a limit, which is the quality of life of the people and the amount of services we can offer them.
Housing
“Densification has a limit: the quality of life of the people and the amount of public services”
Regarding the educational conflict, has the Government made mistakes in its negotiation approach?
ERC is extremely respectful of the role of the unions. Labor issues must be resolved at the sectoral table between the Government and unions. What ERC does to help is allocate 500 million. Without it, it would be impossible to implement any agreement reached by the unions and the Government.
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How is the academic results crisis tackled?
For many years there has been continuous disregard, for example, for content. It is impossible for young people to develop critical thinking if they cannot compare, and for that, they must know history, geography, mathematics, economics, or philosophy.
But you have also governed in recent years and those deficiencies have not been reversed.
Surely there are things we have not done well.
If there is a change of government in Spain, is a left-wing front feasible in Catalonia?
Catalonia will have to defend itself from those who want to harm it.
Does a tripartite government consider this?
The specific formula is very little relevant. What matters is that we will all be called to defend Catalonia. And hopefully everyone feels addressed because we have always been called, but not everyone has felt addressed.
In Catalonia, polls predict that Vox and Aliança Catalana will have significant representation in the Parliament. Why are these options rising so much?
The far right is rising everywhere in the Western world, whether there is immigration or not. The reading that it grows because immigration exists is simplistic.
Yes, but in Spain the percentage that Vox represents has not yet reached 20%. In Catalonia, combined, the two options may be well above that.
The reasons for the growth are others, such as the feeling that part of society has that the welfare state cannot meet their needs. Fear spreads, and when people are afraid, sometimes they make mistakes. American society voted for a president who is ruining them and voted for him because they were afraid. This is the model of Aliança Catalana and Vox. People in this country have the right to know what they represent, which is ruin.
Educational Results
“Surely there are things we have not done well. There has been continuous disregard for content”
To combat it, is a left-wing front needed, as your spokesperson in Madrid suggests?
The best for Catalonia is that ERC is very strong because it embodies the ambition and responsibility that the PSC and Junts lack. The PSC often lacks ambition. And Junts unfortunately lacks responsibility regarding what the country needs.
Have you spoken with Rufián about his plan to unite the left?
We share the proposal. A progressive project as strong as possible is necessary. This progressive force in Catalonia is ERC, which is much broader, much wider, and much stronger than the far left outside the PSOE. ERC is much more than that, fortunately.
Do you maintain your support for Rufián as a candidate in Madrid? Who will choose the list?
If it depended on my personal opinion, it is obvious that he is an excellent candidate. I have always defended him and continue to do so. Regarding the list, all ERC members can express their opinion. The party will decide through its bodies – its National Executive and its National Council. And each territory will decide.
So, ERC will present its list and if Rufián wants to be a candidate, fine, and if not, he will know?
I am convinced that ERC candidates are proud to run for ERC.
Why do you think the Amnesty law has not yet been applied to you? Do you expect to run in 2028?
Because Spain has scandalous democratic deficits and there are courts that refuse to apply the law. What I believe is of little relevance. What matters is that laws are made to be applied.
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