Mònica Sales, Junts President in the Parliament, has declared that "Catalonia has a problem today, and its name is Salvador Illa," launching a strong attack on the current Generalitat government. She made these remarks in an interview, criticising the administration's performance two years after the 12 May elections.
Sales accused President Illa's government of leading Catalonia towards "decadence" across several key sectors. These areas include education, public safety, housing, and transport. "The country is experiencing a situation of maximum complexity due to this submission and lack of leadership," Sales stated, highlighting her party's concerns.
She also focused on what she perceives as Illa's dependence on Madrid, according to Catalonia's fiscal deficit. Sales lamented that the Generalitat government is "subordinated to the orders of Pedro Sánchez." The Junts leader reiterated the long-standing issue of Catalonia's annual fiscal deficit.
She noted that 22 billion euros leave Catalonia each year without returning. Sales insisted, "That 22 billion euros leave every year and do not return, and there is no president who first asks for and claims this, for us shows a lack of leadership and weakness." She added, "This is a total subordination." This fiscal imbalance is a frequent point of contention in Catalan politics, affecting public services and infrastructure projects.
Junts Criticises Language Policy and ERC
Sales also voiced strong concern over the Catalan language. She criticised the executive's language policy and Minister Francesc Xavier Vila. Sales believes the government is "whitewashing" its actions regarding the language. She insists the Minister must ensure Catalan is always used. "The Department of Language Policy can have all the goodwill it wants, but it is a shop window," she explained. "It has no impact on the other departments that do what they want." Sales also accused Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) of being "complicit" in a "denationalisation that is advancing rapidly." She warned that by agreeing to the current budgets, ERC becomes complicit in the ongoing situation.
Mossos Infiltration and Rodalies Transfer
The Junts President addressed the infiltration of two Mossos d'Esquadra agents into a teachers' assembly. She firmly stated that teachers have the right to organise themselves. Sales emphasised that "the responsibility lies with Minister Parlon and Trapero." She reiterated that those responsible must face consequences for these actions. Sales also pressed for the integral transfer of Rodalies commuter rail services to Catalonia. She argued that the current agreement leaves decision-making power with Madrid, despite a supposed transfer. "They agree to a transfer, but Madrid holds the powers," Sales explained. "Madrid will make the decisions with the mixed company. The mess is visible every day."
A Call for Catalan Control
Sales contrasted the Rodalies situation with the successful model of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC). She highlighted FGC as an example of efficient, locally managed public transport. "In contrast, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat works well. We already have the model," she affirmed. "We need a transfer for this to work like the successful model we already have here." This argument shows a broader desire for greater self-governance and control over essential services within Catalonia. The ongoing debate over Rodalies affects thousands of daily commuters in the Barcelona metropolitan area and beyond, making it a critical issue for residents.
When asked about the rise of Aliança Catalana, Sales acknowledged that "the issue of Aliança is a reality." However, she asserted that Junts per Catalunya maintains a clear direction. The party aims to continue acting as an alternative to the current government. Junts seeks to reverse recent electoral results and offer a different path for Catalonia's future.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
