Salvador Illa rules out going to Geneva for the negotiations
Salvador Illa, first secretary of the PSC and winner of the 12-M elections, has ruled out the possibility of going to Geneva for the investiture negotiations with Marta Rovira, secretary general of Esquerra Republicana and acting president. In an interview with TV3’s Els matis, Illa made it clear that the talks must be conducted by the negotiating teams appointed by the parties. In the case of the Socialists, the deputy secretary of electoral organization, Lluïsa Moret, is leading the negotiations.
Illa has highlighted the importance of discretion in the talks to articulate the ‘progressive majority’ in Parliament between the PSC, ERC and the commons. He has recommended common sense, transversality and commitment, and has emphasized putting the interests of Catalonia first.
Illa will prioritize a good deal over speed
Salvador Illa has expressed his preference for a good deal rather than a quick deal. He has stated that he does not want to rush any of the political formations with which he is negotiating and that he prefers that they take the decisions in an appropriate way. Illa has reminded that there is time until August 26 for the investiture and has defended that it is better to have a solid agreement without injuries.
The leader of the PSC has made it clear that he does not plan to go to Geneva for the negotiations, since his party negotiates through a commission coordinated by Lluïsa Moret. Illa has shown its support for the negotiating team made up of six people with different expertise and sensitivities.
Discarded a pact with Junts and other options
Salvador Illa has ruled out the possibility of a pact with Junts, since Carles Puigdemont has expressed his intention to repeat the elections. He also recalled that before the elections he already ruled out an agreement with the PP and Vox. Illa has affirmed that the ‘most operative’ majority to form a Government is similar to that of the Parliament Bureau and has made it clear that Puigdemont has no chance of being sworn in as president.
The leader of the PSC has urged Junts not to waste Catalans’ time with an investiture that has no chance. He has stated that there is no pro-independence majority in Parliament and that there is a minority that can act as a block.
Illa proposes the development of the Statute to improve financing
Salvador Illa has proposed the development of the Statute to improve the financing of Catalonia. He has suggested the creation of the General Tax Consortium, a body that could collect all taxes and would involve shared management between the Generalitat and the Spanish state. Illa has highlighted the importance of having fair funding that takes into account the singularities of Catalonia.
The leader of the PSC has stated that he is listening to the proposals of the other groups to ensure adequate funding for Catalonia. He stressed the importance of debating this issue with arguments and numbers, without looking for sensational headlines. Illa recalled the commitment of the president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, to Catalonia and to the search for fair funding.