Salvador Illa’s enthusiasm for leading Catalonia
The first secretary of the PSC, Salvador Illa, has expressed his firm desire to govern Catalonia in collaboration with ERC and Comuns, with the aim of addressing various problems, including the housing issue. During the closing of the 14th Congress of the PSC in Barcelona, Illa reiterated his criticism of Junts, accusing them of seeking a repeat election due to their dissatisfaction with the results. In addition, he stressed the importance of implementing policies that include the elimination of tourist apartments and the approval of an amnesty as examples of political action.
The focus on housing policies and collaboration with other political forces
During his speech at the closing of the Barcelona Socialist Congress, Illa emphasized the citizens’ will to have a left-wing government, made up of the PSC, ERC and Comuns. Likewise, he has expressed his enthusiasm for extending the policies aimed at solving the housing problem beyond Barcelona, covering all of Catalonia. He has stressed the need to lead the Government in collaboration with other political forces, promoting generosity, humility and the search for common ground.
Call to stop the extreme right and respect for the judiciary
In addition, Illa has called to stop the advance of the extreme right, with an eye on France. He has also urged the judiciary to respect the space of the legislative power and to apply the amnesty approved by an absolute majority in Congress, emphasizing the importance of respecting the decisions made by the main powers of democracy.
Demand for the Pla de Barris as an antidote against the extreme right
For his part, the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, has highlighted the importance of Pla de Barris as an antidote against the extreme right and populism, claiming transformative policies as the best vaccine against extremism. Collboni has stressed the relevance of his plan as a means to combat the massification of tourism and has advocated the elimination of tourist apartments as a way to confront extremism.
Participation of the new first secretary of the party in Barcelona
The new first secretary of the party in Barcelona, Sara Jaurrieta, also participated in the closing of the congress.