A book that reflects the recent history of Catalonia
In Barcelona, ’Pujol i I’, a work by journalist Txema Segrers, has been announced that seeks to unravel the figure of Jordi Pujol, who is 95 years old this June. Although the work is born of a critic order to interview three personalities who know Pujol well, Seglers’ search goes further, transforming into a personal and professional journey.
Interviews revealing the politician
Second interviewed key figures such as historians Joan B. Culla and Paola lo Cascio, as well as journalist Lluís Bassets. The conversation with Culla, which will be published entirely in CRITIC, is an unpublished testimony, and his recent death adds an emotional weight to the play. The book became a mosaic of diverse voices, with about thirty interviewees who provide varied perspectives on Pujol.
A narrative that has all
The book is not only a compilation of interviews, but a narrative story that fuses journalism with elements of historical novel, from the end of the Franco regime to the present day. The range of voices, from critics to Pujol’s passionate proponents, helps build a complex and nuanced portrait.
A CLAU JUDICIAL CONTEXT
At the moment when the book was started, Pujol’s figure was immersed in a corruption scandal that shaken Catalonia. The imminent opening of the trial of the ‘Pujol case’ to the National High Court on November 10 promises to be an event that will mark the political agenda of 2025. Pujol and his family will be tried, and the allegations could have devastating consequences for his Public image.
A public image in transformation
Despite the scandals, Pujol has returned to the public sand, supporting candidates and attending events, which generates a debate on how his figure may have been standardized in Catalan political discourse. The journalist Josep Maria Bricall reflects on how he himself would feel if he was in a similar situation.
Pujolism in the current debate
Pujolism has left a deep imprint on Catalan politics, creating a narrative that often prevents criticism and is presented as a coherent story of national construction. However, for many, Pujol is also a symbol of the post-Franco regime, a figure who played a crucial role in the governability of Spain.
A necessary critical look
The book ‘Pujol and I’ opens the door to a deeper reflection on his figure, recognizing both his contributions and the shades that surround him. The journalist Enric Borràs argues that in order to move forward, Catalonia needs to face and understand the Pujolista narrative, not ignoring it, and journalism plays a key role in this task.