The contradiction of growing poverty
In a recent edition of the Pere Tarrés Social Forum, held on February 20, Josep Rull, President of the Parliament of Catalonia, expressed his concern about the growing poverty at a time when the country’s economy shows signs of growth. “We cannot be happy with such a high level of poverty,” Rull said, emphasizing the paradox that represents this situation in a society that is considered modern.
A space of debate required
The Pere Tarrés Social Forum has been a space for reflection and debate for more than fifteen years, where the most urgent social issues are analyzed. Rull emphasized the need to combat inequalities and to promote social cohesion, emphasizing that “fundamental rights are backward” and that it is imperative to fight this tendency.
The Institutions and His Responsibility
Josep Oriol Pujol, director of the Pere Tarrés Foundation, opened the debate by asking Rull how the institutions can say that no one is behind in a context of increasing unemployment and a high rate of child poverty. Rull emphasized that many young people have difficulty accessing decent housing, which hinders their emancipation.
The virtuous triangle proposal
To deal with this complexity, Rull presented a strategy that he called “virtuous triangle”, which includes a modernization agenda, the development of a productive economy and social and territorial cohesion. He warned that previous governments have encountered a recurring obstacle: a funding system that hinders effective social policies.
The need for resources and consensus
Rull emphasized the importance of claiming more resources to ensure human dignity through social policies. In addition, he defended the creation of broad consensus in the laws that are approved, as well as the need to establish long -term pacts that will allow a future vision for public policies.
The third sector as a engine of change
Rull, with a long career in the movement of Catalan Christian leisure centers, called for the support of the third sector to regain self -esteem and collective purpose. He emphasized the importance of generosity and significance, recognizing the fundamental work of social entities, such as the Pere Tarrés Foundation, in social transformation.
A shared future
The Pere Tarrés Social Forum, with its 92 editions, has established itself as a vital space for the debate on social action, gathering voices from different fields. Its continuity emphasizes the importance of approaching poverty and inequalities to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all citizens.
