Great contrast between the newspapers in Barcelona and those in Madrid
Carles Puigdemont’s conference in Elna has been an outstanding event that has captured the attention of all the media. However, there is a great contrast between the way in which the newspapers in Barcelona and those in Madrid have covered this news.
The Barcelona newspapers, as well as El País, have chosen to reproduce the arguments and reasons of the exiled president in their main titles. They point out that Puigdemont is running in the May 12 elections to restore the presidency taken away by 155 and the repression, and that he is ready to return if he is sworn in as president. These titles are flat and neutral, focusing on Puigdemont’s facts and promises.
On the other hand, the newspapers in Madrid have adopted a different position. They have portrayed Carles Puigdemont as the leader of independence, with a tone of indignation and offense. The ABC newspaper has even published a photograph of Puigdemont with an impregnated facial expression, with the aim of generating a negative reaction in readers. This more critical coverage seeks to provoke or frighten readers.
Critical reactions and absence of publication
The newspapers in Barcelona have chosen not to publish on the front page the critical reactions of the Republican Left and the PSC to Puigdemont’s speech. This decision has been shared even by La Vanguardia, which is known for its ability to write balanced headlines. This absence of publication of critical reactions can be interpreted as a way to protect Puigdemont’s image and avoid internal criticism.
Different photographs and narratives
Newspapers in Madrid have used photographs of Carles Puigdemont with a grim facial expression, with the aim of reinforcing his negative image. On the other hand, the newspapers El Mundo and El País have published the best photographs of Puigdemont in Elna, showing him in the midst of enthusiasts and accompanied by Pere Manzanares, a historic pro-independence activist. These photographs seek to generate a positive image of Puigdemont and reinforce his message.
Background and additional details
The Trio de la Benzina newspapers have tried to complete the narrative with additional information that degrades or caricatures the main news. They emphasized that the conference in Elna coincides with the data of the Center for Opinion Studies, which place Junts below the PSC and the Left. This suggests that Puigdemont’s decision to stand for election is motivated by Junts’ decline in the polls. However, it should be borne in mind that this data has been prepared before the exile’s candidacy is confirmed.
In addition, the decision of the General Council of the Judiciary to push ahead with the report against the amnesty, with the support of the conservative sector, has been highlighted. This information seeks to discredit Puigdemont’s position and cast doubt on his amnesty proposal. However, it should be noted that this decision was not binding and that the alternative report submitted by five progressives considers the amnesty to be constitutional.
In summary, Carles Puigdemont’s conference in Elna has generated a great contrast in the coverage of the Barcelona and Madrid newspapers. While the newspapers in Barcelona have opted for a more neutral and fact-focused coverage, the newspapers in Madrid have adopted a critical stance and tried to generate a negative image of Puigdemont. In addition, critical reactions have been highlighted and additional information has been added to discredit the main story. It is important to consider these differences in coverage to get a complete and unbiased view of the facts.
