Together for Catalonia: A marked oppositional role
Just seven days from the formation of the new Executive Council, Junts per Catalunya has adopted a firm opposition stance. The party led by Carles Puigdemont has presented a request to Parliament for the president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, to explain the decisions taken in the new configuration of the government.
Criticism of nepotism: Family members in positions of trust
Junts per Catalunya’s criticisms focus particularly on the appointments of family members of councilors in key positions. The appointment of Alfons Jiménez, partner of councilor Sílvia Paneque, as chief of staff has raised a wave of indignation. Junts has demanded that Paneque appear before Parliament to clarify the motivations behind this decision.
The case of Yolanda Collboni
The party has also pointed out the appointment of Yolanda Collboni, sister of councilor Jaume Collboni, as an adviser on projects in the Department of the Presidency, considering it a clear example of nepotism. Junts regrets that these practices can exacerbate public mistrust towards institutions.
Complaint of lack of institutional presence
In addition to the issues of nepotism, Junts has expressed its concern about the lack of presence of President Illa in important events, such as the tribute to the victims of 17-A. Illa chose to go on holiday to Lanzarote with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, a decision that has been widely criticized.
A government that does not represent everyone
Junts per Catalunya has stated that the new government does not reflect the diversity of the country, but is closer to a partisan and exclusionary administration. The comments have focused on the new minister of Education, Esther Niubò, and the minister of the European Union and External Action, Jaume Duch, both considered distant from the needs of the Catalan people.
Political silence and future expectations
Finally, Junts regretted the silence of ERC and the Commons, partners of the PSC, in the face of their concerns about nepotism. These actions, according to the party, could indicate a troubled start for a government that needs to win the trust of citizens. Junts expects a quick response from President Illa in Parliament, since his criticisms are based on the need for transparent and representative governance.