Ceremony in Barcelona: Socialist politician Salvador Illa sworn in as Catalan Prime Minister
Socialist politician Salvador Illa was inaugurated as Catalan President in a ceremonial event at the government palace in Barcelona. "By assuming office today, I inherit the hopes of the Catalan people," said the 61-year-old, who gained recognition as Spain's Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. While his Socialist Party remained the strongest force in the early election in May, it needs the support of the left-wing, moderate separatist ERC party and the left-green coalition Comuns to govern.
Illa was voted in by 68 of the 135 members of the regional parliament in Barcelona on Thursday. Spanish media hailed his election as a fresh start for the region, which has been shaken by demands for independence for over a decade. However, it may prove challenging for the calm and conciliatory Illa to reconcile his pro-Spanish policies with the ERC's push for independence.
In his inaugural address, Illa echoed his separatist predecessors, stating, "I have no doubt that all previous presidents have started with the best intentions to make Catalonia a better place," even including the former regional leader Carles Puigdemont, who is still wanted on a warrant.
Puigdemont, who had been in exile for nearly seven years, reappeared in Barcelona just before Illa's election. He delivered a brief speech to around 3,500 supporters, reiterating his arguments for Catalan independence, even if it means defying the rest of Spain, before disappearing again.
Later, on Friday evening, he resurfaced on the platform X, stating he had returned to Belgium, where he has spent most of his time since fleeing in 2017. It remains unknown whether and when the warrant for his arrest on charges of personal enrichment will be lifted, allowing him to return to his homeland freely. Illa called on the Spanish justice system to swiftly and unconditionally apply the amnesty law for Catalan separatists like Puigdemont.
The Socialist Party, with Illa as their representative, sought the support of the ERC party and Comuns to govern after Illa's election as Catalan President. Despite his pro-Spanish policies, Illa acknowledged the efforts of separatist leaders like Carles Puigdemont, who still faces a warrant for his arrest.
