The Decisive Moment for Catalonia
The bases of ERC are faced with a significant challenge: to approve an agreement that could allow Salvador Illa, the first secretary of the PSC, to take the reins of the Generalitat. Some 8,500 militants will decide the fate of this proposal, which has already received the endorsement of the party executive after an intense meeting.
A Controversial Pact
The central core of the agreement revolves around a new financing structure for Catalonia, a proposal that includes elements of the 2005 consensus between the tripartite, but which has generated notable resistance from many voices in the territory. The credibility of the socialists is in the spotlight, especially for their past actions which included the defense of article 155 which suspended Catalan autonomy.
Details of the Consultation
Voting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. ERC members will have the option of voting ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘abstention’. Initially planned as a mixed mode, it will now be entirely telematic, but offices have been enabled to facilitate access for those who need assistance when voting.
Support and Internal Resistance
In the last few hours, even members of the ERC executive have supported the agreement, which is led by general secretary Marta Rovira. This represents a major challenge for the party leadership, just before an important congress. Oriol Junqueras’ speech, which has so far been cautious, indicates that the party may withdraw support for the Government if non-compliance occurs.
The Role of the PSC in Alliances
With the agreement recently signed with the Commons, the PSC can strengthen its support with a total of 48 deputies. The key to an absolute majority lies in the 20 ERC deputies. The ERC Youth will meet to decide their position, a factor that may influence the results of the final vote.
The Return of Carles Puigdemont
Another element that adds tension to the situation is the announced return of former president Carles Puigdemont, who has warned that he will come to the investiture plenary, despite the risk of arrest. If the bases approve Illa’s investiture, the plenary could be held on Wednesday, creating a complicated scenario that could lead to a suspension of the session if there was a police intervention.
Funding: A Vital Issue
The central axis of the debate on regional funding is based on a proposal that seeks to distance Catalonia from the common regime. This reflects, to a certain extent, the intention to restore elements of previous agreements such as the 2005 Statute that provided for autonomous tax management by Catalonia.
A Pact Without a Concert
The current text does not mention an economic concert, to reduce reluctance and facilitate dialogue with the PSC. However, the proposal includes aspects of Catalonia’s contribution to the State’s finances that require a review to guarantee adequate compensation for State spending in the territory.
The Future of the Independence Process
In addition to funding, the pact foresees the creation of a National Convention dedicated to the resolution of the political conflict, and the need to give more importance to Catalan as the official language in the politics of Catalonia. This reveals a broad commitment that transcends economic issues, positioning the language as a fundamental pillar of Catalan identity.