Difficulties to form a solid Government
The Catalan elections of 12-M have left a hangover marked by the difficulties in forming a solid Government in Catalonia. Alicia Romero, number 2 of the PSC, has expressed that a socialist government alone is the ‘first option’, but recognizes that it is a difficult challenge. In an interview with TVE, Romero stated that they are waiting for the intentions of the other political groups and how the government will be set up, either by the PSC alone or with the addition of other parties. However, he has made it clear that the PSC will not give up the presidency of the Parliament.
Round of contacts for possible agreements
The PSC has started a round of contacts with the other political parties to explore possible pacts for the constitution of the Parliament and the investiture of the president of the Generalitat. These calls do not include Vox or Aliança Catalana. According to Romero, these first meetings will make it possible to compare and share feelings and wishes to start negotiations.
The importance of the Parliament Bureau
Romero has emphasized the importance of the Parliament’s Bureau being as plural as possible and representing the results of the elections. He has criticized the pro-independence pacts that have excluded some groups from the governing body of Parliament. Regarding the European elections on June 9, Romero hopes that the campaign will not affect too much the negotiations for the constitution of the Parliament, since the deadline for its constitution is the day after the European elections.
The PSC and the PSOE alliances
Romero has reaffirmed that the PSOE’s alliances in Madrid will not influence the negotiations in Catalonia. He has made it clear that Catalan politics is decided in Catalonia and decided by the PSC.
Election results and presidential candidates
The PSC, led by Salvador Illa, won the 2012 elections with 42 seats, 9 more than in the previous elections. Junts+ won 35 seats, while ERC suffered a heavy loss of 13 seats, leaving only 20 deputies. Salvador Illa announced his candidacy to be the new president of Catalonia and celebrated the good results of the PSC, which won the elections in both votes and seats for the first time in 45 years.
A complicated scenario for Illa
Salvador Illa faces a complicated scenario to form a government, since he will have to seek agreements with other parties. The situation became even more complicated when Carles Puigdemont, Junts candidate, announced his candidacy for president. Puigdemont stated that he has more options than Illa to be invested in a second round. Decisions on the supports for each candidate will be taken in Parliament.