A historic event at the Arc de Triomf
With a large number of people gathered under the emblematic Arc de Triomf, Carles Puigdemont has returned to Catalonia in an event that symbolizes his return to active politics. Organized by various pro-independence organizations, this event has brought together deputies from different parties and prominent figures from the national scene, becoming a manifesto against political concessions.
A message of firmness and unity
Puigdemont, with a determined voice, said: “I have come back to remind them that we are still here”, while the attendees cheered him on. Without naming names, he has criticized the ‘renunciations’ of some sectors of independence, passionately defending the right to self-determination as an inalienable right of peoples. His speech resonated with the crowd, which opposes the investiture pact that will bring Salvador Illa to the head of the Generalitat.
Denunciation of repression
In a context of strong repression by the Spanish State, Puigdemont has devoted a large part of his speech to criticizing the persecution that pro-independence supporters have suffered in recent years. ‘They have been persecuting us for seven years for giving a voice to a people’, he lamented, stressing that their goal is not the erasure of Catalan identity.
The dangers of judicial politics
The Junts leader has warned about the influence of the Spanish right in the judicial system, stating that independence will continue to be under threat as long as the institutions are controlled by parties such as the PP and Vox. ‘We have come to remember that, despite everything, we are still here’, he reiterated, showing an attitude of resistance in the face of repression.
A call to social mobilization
Hundreds of people gathered early in the morning on Avinguda Lluís Companys, in response to the call of the ANC and other organizations. The crowd grew as the time for the event approached, occupying the space in front of the Arc de Triomphe. After the speech, a corridor was formed to accompany Puigdemont to Parliament, emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing the ‘right of an elected deputy’.
The feeling of community
Attendees expressed their support with shouts of Independence and ‘Puigdemont, our president’. One family present commented that the most important thing was to convey warmth and support to their leader during his return. This event was not only a political demonstration, but also a demonstration of the unity and determination of the Catalan independence movement.