The Cry of a Former President
The former president of the Generalitat, Artur Mas, has strongly entered the electoral campaign on May 12, declaring his unconditional support for Junts per Catalunya and its leader, Carles Puigdemont. This support, which is added to that of other heavyweights from the former convergent space, represents a significant boost for the independence candidacy.
Reasons for a Vote for Junts
Mas has clearly stated his reasons for voting for Junts: a president free of ties, a government capable of negotiating as equals with Madrid and the prevention of a tripartite or a mayor of Barcelona supported by the Popular Party.
Constant Support
The support of Mas a Junts is not new. Already in the municipal elections, he supported candidates such as Xavier Trias, Miquel Noguer and César Herráiz. In the general elections, he also clearly opted for Junts, rejecting the PDeCAT’s decision to run separately.
The Return of Puigdemont and the Support of Mas
Carles Puigdemont’s return to campaign events has coincided with Mas’s intervention at the central event of Junts in Maresme. The atmosphere was one of optimism and satisfaction, with more than two hundred people gathered in the gardens of Can Bisa in Vilassar de Mar.
A Call to the Undecided
Mas has aimed his message especially at undecided voters, highlighting the importance of their support in determining the outcome of the election. He has emphasized Puigdemont’s ability to influence Madrid politics and raise the level of Catalan politics.
Criticism of Illa and the PSC
Without directly mentioning Salvador Illa, Mas has harshly criticized the PSC candidate’s dependence on Spanish political power. He has criticized his participation in the federal committee of the PSOE after Pedro Sánchez’s controversial statements about his political future.
Negotiations with Madrid and Financing
Mas has insisted on the need to make the most of the negotiations with Madrid, highlighting the crucial role of Junts in the Congress of Deputies. He has denounced the expiration of the financing model since 2014 and has criticized the lack of support from the PSOE for an economic agreement for Catalonia.
A Government that Raises the Bar
Mas has concluded his intervention by calling for a government led by Puigdemont, free of ties, capable of negotiating head-on in Madrid and that has Catalonia at its heart. He has defended a government that speaks positively about the country and that raises the level of Catalan politics.
Turull’s Support and Criticism of Sánchez
The general secretary of Junts, Jordi Turull, closed the event with a harsh attack on the president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez. He has used Mas as an example of the attacks that he suffered at the time and has criticized Sánchez’s delay in supporting the Catalan people.
The Legacy of Mas
Turull has praised Mas for his bravery and his decision to put country before party. He has stressed that Mas did not need time to move on and that he made the decision to resign, a gesture that no one else has made.
Support of Local Candidates
Before the interventions of Mas and Turull, several candidates and municipal officials of Junts en el Maresme took the floor, among them Sònia Rojas, Josep Grima, Ariadna Urroz, Judit Toronjo and Laura Martínez, mayor of Vilassar de Mar.