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 sights set on Catalonia for the future. The president of the parliamentary group, Albert Batet, recalled this Wednesday that Aragonès was elected thanks to the support of 52% of the pro-independence deputies, he denounced the trajectory of a "weak" government in Barcelona, "submissive in Madrid" and that he has renounced the unilaterality. The message was clear: “Either change course, and this is the last train that passes, or call elections.”
A year after the government coalition broke up, Junts pointed out that it only makes sense to continue with the legislature if this change of direction is carried out, which must involve firm negotiating with the State Government, and a determination to advance towards the independence of Catalonia. Batet indicated that Aragonès faces the negotiations from the restricted perspective of his 33 deputies, losing strength and credibility. A “lack of trust” that leads to Friday's vote in the form of a proposed resolution. A similar line, that of the “lack of confidence in the 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 the Parliament, but also sets new standards in Catalan politics. The Junts leader indicated that his party has done “more in four weeks than ERC has done in four years,” in reference to the negotiations with the acting Executive. And he emphasized what his negotiating strategy is, based, he said, on holding the position to resolve the conflict, on not trusting the Spanish parties and on applying prudence.
He again asked ERC – which has indicated in recent days that the amnesty is done – not to speak on behalf of Junts. In Batet's speech there were hardly any allusions to amnesty and self-determination, but the position of the party has been reflected in the resolution proposals. The first, which will be voted on Friday, points out the “lack of confidence of a parliamentary majority towards 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 national recognition of Catalonia - it is noted - and therefore its right to self-determination, are determining elements to culminate with a historic commitment that resolves the political conflict." Junts focuses on article 96 of the Constitution, which establishes that 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 path of negotiation towards an eventual investiture of Sánchez, in proposals that will be debated and voted on in the plenary session tomorrow.
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 of Catalans. He proposed the deflation of personal income tax, the modification of the inheritance tax and opening a reflection on the wealth tax, warning that the majority of autonomies are modifying it.
