The return of Carles Puigdemont
The Junts candidate, Carles Puigdemont, has returned to the electoral campaign with great determination, directing strong criticism towards Pedro Sánchez and his proposal for democratic regeneration. During his speech, Puigdemont mentioned the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande Marlaska, and the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles. In addition, he has made reference to the recordings made in the La Camarga restaurant, which triggered the case against the Pujols, and to the alias Tácito, used by the head of the Civil Guard Daniel Baena. Likewise, he has denounced the persecution of Catalans at the borders based solely on their surnames, as well as the tax inspections of independence supporters. Puigdemont has demanded that Sánchez start with his own house if he really wants to carry out a political regeneration.
The support in the Espacio Jean Carrère in Alger
This Wednesday, Barcelona city supporters gathered at the Espacio Jean Carrère d’Argelers, one day after the funeral of the candidate’s mother. Puigdemont recalled that his mother was from Barcelona and, therefore, this event would be his rally. During his speech, the candidate reflected on the five days that the Spanish president took to decide on his future, concluding with the need for political regeneration.
Complaints and direct questions
Puigdemont has denounced the existence of lists of dangerous Catalan surnames at airport checkpoints, and has questioned whether this occurs without any judicial control. He has highlighted that border controls focus on names of pro-independence supporters, and has shared his own experience of being subjected to control for the simple fact of being called Puigdemont. Furthermore, he addressed a direct question to Sánchez, asking him if he is sure that a list of names of people who, because they are independentists, are subject to control without judicial intervention is not circulating.
The start of the rally and the criticism of Sánchez and Illa
Former mayor Xavier Trias opened the rally by remembering the death of Puigdemont’s mother and denouncing the lack of farewell by the president. Trias has demanded an end to the repression and has criticized Sánchez’s five days of reflection, describing them as a comedy and a joke. He has agreed on the need to regenerate politics, but has reproached Sánchez and Illa for not showing indignation when they talk about not tolerating the destruction of politics. Trias has denounced Collboni’s strategy, which consists of joining the opposing party to prevent the mayor of Barcelona from being pro-independence, generating hatred and extreme situations throughout the country.
