Yesterday, the PSC presented its campaign slogan, “Strength to govern,” and the electoral program with which it is running for the May 12 elections. A program that summarizes the “third great transformation” that Catalonia “needs” through the “comprehensive” reform of public services, and for which the socialists demand “transversal” support that allows them to lead a “strong” government.
Salvador Illa's candidacy is addressed to all voters, above their ideologies, to whom he offers to "work for Catalonia, for well-being and quality of life", focusing on the management of "health, education, drought, housing, security….” And in Illa's party they are clear that only with support that transcends sympathy for their acronym will they have the possibility of configuring a "strong, stable and supported by a large majority" government. It is about repeating the success of the PSC in the general elections of 23-J, when it gathered 1.2 million votes in Catalonia (34.47%), which would leave the independence movement far from the absolute majority.
The PSC's advertising spot for the campaign appeals to the management of the main public services with a gesture as a metaphor, that of rolling up one's sleeves, which advocates "believing in Catalonia again." For the mission, the Catalan socialists initially counted on the active involvement of President Pedro Sánchez. The leader of the PSOE had the intention of going to Catalonia on five occasions, the first today, at the opening of the campaign from Sabadell, and on Sunday to Santa Coloma de Gramenet, but with Sánchez's announcement yesterday, opening the possibility to resign from the presidency of the Government, everything remains up in the air. The PSC holds separate rallies with Illa.
The Catalan party also presented its electoral program yesterday. Illa has already been detailing the main developments, such as the expansion of self-government or the financing reform, which he wants to promote in the first 100 days of government. But Illa also promises a “comprehensive” transformation of the administration and public services after conducting an audit. “It will be the third great transformation after the arrival of self-government and social transformation” that Illa attributes to Pasqual Maragall and José Montilla.
In terms of health, the PSC intends to reach an agreement to allocate 7% of GDP to these policies; in security, increase the force by 570 net mossos each year, create a special unit against multiple recidivism and illegal occupations and a police station against sexual violence. In housing, it will promote construction and a renovation plan; In culture, it will reinforce trilingualism and make linguistic policy dependent on the Presidency. In addition, he advocates expanding the El Prat airport and completing the fourth beltway.
