A return marked by expectations
Carles Puigdemont announced this Wednesday that he is about to resume his journey to Spain, a journey that marks the end of a period of exile of almost seven years. His return comes at a crucial moment, with Parliament convening an investiture session for candidate Illa. The presence of Puigdemont as an elected deputy of Junts generates expectations and controversies at the same time.
Opposing mobilizations
The Council of the Republic has organized a rally in Barcelona’s Passeig Lluís Companys to welcome Puigdemont. This demonstration, scheduled for Thursday at 9.00, will bring together several groups such as Junts, the ANC, Òmnium and the CUP, among others. ERC has expressed its satisfaction with the return of the former president, also accompanying him to the entrance of Parliament, and reiterating its support for the Amnesty law.
Vox’s reaction
In contrast to this mobilization, the leader of Vox in Catalonia, Ignacio Garriga, has called a protest in front of Parliament at 9.30, denouncing the presence of Puigdemont. Garriga has affirmed that they will not accept the ‘humiliation’ of a ‘criminal’ entering the Chamber, urging citizens to defend the unity of Spain with their presence.
Uncertainties about the investiture
The possibility of Puigdemont’s return raises doubts about Illa’s investiture session, scheduled for Thursday at 10.00. Junts has requested to suspend the vote in case the former president is arrested. ERC and other parties have hinted that they might also consider this option, reflecting the tension surrounding the event.
The development of the plenum
If the investiture continues, the president of Parliament, Josep Rull, has announced that the debate will take place in a single day. It will begin with the reading of Illa’s proposal as a candidate, followed by his speech. There will then be a preparation period for the groups before the final vote, which requires an absolute majority for approval.
An uncertain future
With the absolute majority required for Illa’s investiture, which could be achieved with minimal support, the debate is presented as a key moment for Catalan politics. If the confidence of the Chamber is obtained, the President of the Parliament will have to communicate it to the King, and Illa will have to take possession of the position in a short period of time. The political situation in Catalonia will continue to be a hot topic, with the consequences of Puigdemont’s return and the response of the institutions in the spotlight.
