The vindication of Catalonia in the Senate
The president of the Generalitat has highlighted the need for a self-determination referendum and a particular financing system for Catalonia, after the amnesty. Pere Aragonès supported these proposals on Monday in the Senate, during the general commission of autonomous communities of the upper house, organized by the PP.
Aragonès affirmed that the consultation to decide the political future of the Catalans will follow the same course as the law that seeks to repair the judicial persecution of the independentists. In this sense, he recalled Pedro Sánchez’s unfulfilled promises before the general elections of June 23, indicating that the amnesty was no longer impossible and unconstitutional, as will happen with the referendum.
The position regarding the amnesty law
The commission in the Senate was described as a new confrontation of the PP against the amnesty law. Although it is considered a mere gesture that does not have a binding effect nor does it affect the processing of the law in the chamber, Pere Aragonès stressed that they are in the final phase of the approval of a law that was believed to be impossible.
Need for a referendum and a new stage
The president of the Generalitat insisted on the importance of a referendum to resolve the political conflict between Catalonia and Spain. Regarding the amnesty, he stated that it opens ‘a new stage’ that allows both parties to make proposals to resolve the political clash.
Demand for a unique financing model
Aragonès emphasized the urgent need for a unique financing model for Catalonia, arguing that the region is tired of assuming the consequences. He highlighted the importance of managing all taxes generated in Catalonia.
The speech and arrival at the Senate
During his speech in the Senate, Aragonès recalled the exile of several Catalans since the 1-O referendum, pointing out that Spain was exposed that day. Furthermore, he mentioned the initial opposition of other politicians to the amnesty law, stressing that ‘Catalonia does not understand the impossible’.
Aragonès’s arrival at the Senate was marked by the lack of greetings to PP leaders and the president of the chamber, Pedro Rollán. However, he met with senators from Esquerra Republicana before the session.
Absence of some PP leaders
Several PP leaders, including some regional presidents, were not present in the lower house during Aragonès’ speech. His absence was attributed to the delegation of his assistance to councilors, and the general secretary of the PP suggested that the president of the Generalitat was representing Pedro Sánchez in his confrontation against the PP.