Junts has marked its playing field in the general policy debate with a tone of harsh criticism towards President Pere Aragonès, with its own roadmap in the negotiation with Pedro Sánchez and with its eyes on the future in Catalonia. The president of the parliamentary group, Albert Batet, recalled yesterday that Aragonès was elected thanks to the support of 52% of pro-independence deputies, he denounced the trajectory of a “weak” Government in Barcelona, ??”submissive to Madrid” and that he has renounced the one-sidedness The message was clear: “Either change course, and this is the last train that passes, or call an election.”
A year after the government coalition broke up, from Junts it was pointed out that it only makes sense to move forward with the legislature if this rudder movement is carried out, which must go through a firm negotiation with the State Government and a determination to advance towards the independence of Catalonia. Batet indicated that Aragonès is facing the negotiations from the restricted perspective of his 33 deputies, losing strength and credibility. A “lack of confidence” that leads to Friday’s vote in the form of a resolution proposal. A similar line, that of the “lack of confidence in Parliament”, has been proposed by the PSC.
The new key role of Junts, together with that of ERC, in the eventual investiture of Pedro Sánchez has not only marked the debate in Parliament, but also introduces new elements into Catalan politics. The leader of Junts indicated that his training has done “more in four weeks than ERC in four years”, with reference to the negotiations with the current Executive. And he stressed what his negotiating strategy is, based, he said, on holding the position to resolve the conflict, not trusting the Spanish parties and applying prudence.
He again asked ERC – which in recent days has indicated that the amnesty is done – not to speak on behalf of Junts. In Batet’s speech, there were few allusions to amnesty and self-determination, but the formation’s position was reflected in the resolution proposals. The first, which will be voted on tomorrow, points to the “lack of confidence of a parliamentary majority in the current Government chaired by President Aragonès” alluding to its “weakness” and instability. The PSC has presented one in very similar terms, not by chance, so everything indicates that they will be approved.
The second refers to amnesty and self-determination. “The amnesty and the national recognition of Catalonia – it is pointed out -, and therefore its right to self-determination, are decisive elements to complete a historic commitment that resolves the political conflict”. Junts focuses on article 96 of the Constitution, which establishes that the international treaties signed by Spain that refer to individual and collective rights are part of the Spanish legal system.
As indicated in the resolution, “the mandate of the 1-O referendum can only be replaced by a referendum agreed with the Spanish State”.
JxCat thus shows the negotiation path towards an eventual investiture of Sánchez, in proposals that will be debated and voted on in tomorrow’s plenary session.
During the debate, the differences between the pro-independence formations became clear, with a particularly critical tone towards Aragonès, which were also reflected when analyzing the Government’s management. Albert Batet defended the need to adjust the tax burden on Catalans. He proposed the deflation of the personal income tax, the modification of the inheritance tax and open a reflection on the property tax, warning that the majority of autonomies are modifying it.
