The Catalan Ministry of Interior is preparing a significant restructuring of the Mossos d’Esquadra leadership this summer. This move will see Director General of Police Josep Lluís Trapero install his trusted allies into key positions. The current head of the Mossos, Commissioner Miquel Esquius, is expected to retire in August.
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Internal sources within the Mossos d’Esquadra indicate Trapero is “creating a force made to measure for him”. This occurs despite reported disagreements with Interior Minister Núria Parlón. One source told El Confidencial, “With him there are no half measures: either he likes you or he doesn’t. And whoever opposes him, he mercilessly eliminates.”
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Trapero seeks to establish a team of his complete confidence. His decisions have reportedly increased internal tension within the force, according to La Vanguardia newspaper. However, the recent retirement of six senior commissioners has somewhat mitigated this friction.
These retiring commissioners were among the few who could still oppose Trapero due to their seniority and experience. Few such figures remain within the Mossos d’Esquadra, according to El País newspaper. Upcoming vacancies for commissioner positions will signal a radical change in the force’s organisational chart, according to multiple sources.
Potential Successors Emerge
Several names are circulating as potential candidates for the top leadership roles. Commissioner Josep Maria Estela, whom ERC dismissed in 2022, is a strong contender. Sources suggest Trapero would repeat his previous strategy with Estela.
Trapero previously appointed Esquius as chief commissioner when the Socialist Party (PSC) named him Director General. One source explained, “He knew Esquius is very malleable and would not cause him any conflict.” This allowed Trapero to maintain overall control of the force.
A small faction within the Mossos d’Esquadra advocates for Commissioner Alicia Moriana, the current number two. However, she reportedly has limited support within the professional structure of the force.
Antoni Rodríguez: A Key Figure
Intendente Antoni Rodríguez is another significant figure expected to shape the future of the Mossos d’Esquadra. Known as “El Egipcio” among colleagues due to his physical features, Rodríguez previously headed Investigation. ERC demoted him when they took control of the force.
Rodríguez moved from leading the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) to deputy head of the General Criminal Investigation Commissariat (CGIC). When ERC removed Trapero in 2021, they exiled Rodríguez to the Rubí police station, a town on the outskirts of Barcelona.
Rodríguez challenged this transfer in court. In September 2025, the courts annulled the administrative resolution and ordered his reinstatement to the CGIC. However, the Ministry had already rescued Rodríguez by then.
The Ministry tasked Rodríguez with coordinating the Kanpai and Daga plans. These transversal initiatives target repeat offending and bladed weapons respectively. Leading these plans implies a position superior to the CGIC in the hierarchy.
Trapero had specifically requested Rodríguez’s return to the police headquarters structure. This occurred shortly after Trapero’s appointment as the new Director General of Police. It was one of the first “rescues” Trapero carried out upon regaining command.
Rodríguez was one of the officers who investigated scandals affecting ruling political parties. Some sources question whether an Intendente can become head of the Mossos. However, Eduard Sallent was promoted to head of the Mossos while simultaneously being elevated from Intendente to Commissioner.
Broader Implications for Catalan Policing
The Mossos d’Esquadra serve as Catalonia’s autonomous police force, responsible for public safety across the region. This leadership overhaul could significantly influence policing strategies and internal dynamics. Barcelona, with its 1.6 million residents, relies heavily on the force for security.
The restructuring reflects the ongoing interplay between political appointments and professional policing within Catalonia. It highlights the power struggles at the highest levels of the regional government. This impacts how the force operates and serves its diverse population, including tourists and expats.
The upcoming appointments in August will define the future direction of the Mossos d’Esquadra. They will also solidify Trapero’s influence over Catalonia’s primary law enforcement agency for years to come.
Originally published by El Confidencial. Read original article.
