A day of contrasts in Parliament
The plenary session of the Parliament of Catalonia witnessed a peculiar moment when Mar Besses, deputy of Jovent Republicanà, appeared wearing a black T-shirt proclaiming “anti-fascist pride”. This image, loaded with meaning, takes an unexpected turn when we consider that, shortly after, Besses will have to position himself in favor of the investiture of Salvador Illa, leader of the PSC, who has been one of the visible faces of the opposition to the ‘independence’
Salvador Illa: A strategic player
Salvador Illa has been a key figure in Catalan politics, jumping from one institution to another, always with the support of a PSC that has maintained its influence in times of crisis. His career includes crucial moments, such as the management of federalism in the time of Pere Navarro or the defense of the application of Article 155 during the government of Mariano Rajoy.
A controversial Spanishism
Illa’s strategy raises questions about his motivations: is his Spanishism a reflection of his personal ambitions or a response to the changing political context? His rise can be interpreted as a sign of the decline of pro-independence parties, caught in their own contradictions, or as a meticulous plan to exploit the weaknesses of their rivals.
The role of the PSC in the current political dynamic
In a scenario where ERC and Junts are in a moment of tension and decomposition, the PSC emerges as the winner of this tug-of-war. Illa has been able to position himself as a man of order, adapting to the circumstances and taking advantage of the mistakes of his opponents. His ability to navigate this complex environment is remarkable, and his rise to the presidency has been facilitated by the shortcomings of the pro-independence parties.
The issue of ‘peace’ in Catalonia
However, it is disturbing that Illa can boast of the ‘peace’ that has been achieved in Catalonia through controversial measures such as 155. This position, which some consider authoritarian, reveals a worrying aspect of his leadership: his disposition to use any tool to consolidate their power.
Final reflections on the political future
With a PSC that has historically been cornered by the idea of independence, the current situation represents a paradigm shift. Salvador Illa, with the support of figures such as Mar Besses, represents a new chapter in Catalan politics. His career invites us to reflect on power dynamics, political identities and the future of Catalonia in a context of growing tensions between the various currents.