The CNI and espionage in Aragonès
The National Intelligence Center (CNI) carried out espionage tasks on Pere Aragonès, current president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, when he was still the coordinator of the Defense Committees of the Republic (CDR). This information has been declassified by the Spanish government and reveals that the CNI suspected that Aragonès was acting outside of his institutional responsibilities and in secret
The political implications
The revelation of this spying has generated a great political impact. The former director of the intelligence services, Paz Esteban, has been imputed for this matter, and the Spanish government has dismissed her as head of the CNI. This decision was taken after the publication of the case known as Catalangate, which exposed espionage and generated a political crisis
Reactions and criticism
Government sources have described the information as ‘totally insufficient’ and have pointed out that there are deleted parts and plastered pages in the declassified documents, which makes it difficult to read properly. In addition, they consider that the justifications for espionage are ‘out of all reality’
Declassification of documents
The Council of Ministers agreed last week to declassify secret documents related to espionage in Aragonès. This decision is relevant because it will allow official confirmation of the use of the Pegasus software by the CNI. Legal sources consulted emphasize that this declassification is an important step for the judicial investigation
Transparency and collaboration with justice
The Spanish government has emphasized its intention to collaborate with the judiciary and has highlighted its transparency in this matter. In addition, he has contrasted this attitude with what he considers a ‘dirty war’ on the part of the Popular Party (PP), since the espionage began before the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) came to power
Political consequences
This revelation may have important political consequences, as it affects the relationship between the Spanish government and the government of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In addition, it calls into question trust in the State’s security institutions. It remains to be seen how this situation develops and what the long-term repercussions are
