BTN News: Jordi Turull, the Secretary-General of Junts, recently voiced his belief that former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont will continue to play a “very active” role within Junts after the party’s upcoming congress in October. Turull emphasized that Puigdemont remains a key figure and a “reference leadership for the independence movement.” His statement underscores the enduring influence of Puigdemont, even after the former president hinted at stepping away from active politics if he wasn’t reinstated as Catalonia’s leader. This perspective from Turull suggests that Puigdemont’s political involvement is far from over and that he will continue to shape the direction of the party and the broader independence movement in Catalonia.
In the lead-up to the Catalan elections, Puigdemont had expressed his intent to leave active politics if he wasn’t re-elected as president, arguing that leading the opposition held “little meaning” for him. However, Turull’s recent comments suggest a different trajectory, with Puigdemont remaining a central figure within Junts, albeit in a potentially evolving role. According to Turull, the upcoming congress should not be about discussing specific positions but rather about restructuring the party and revitalizing the independence movement. This event marks a crucial moment for Junts as they seek to reassess their strategy and strengthen their commitment to Catalonia’s independence.
Turull pointed out that the journey to reinvigorate the independence cause began just last Thursday when Puigdemont returned to Barcelona, only to quickly leave the country again to avoid arrest. This bold move, in Turull’s view, served as a powerful demonstration to supporters of independence that taking risks can yield results, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It’s a message of perseverance and defiance that resonates deeply within the independence movement, further cementing Puigdemont’s status as a symbolic leader.
The upcoming congress of Junts will prioritize the national agenda, with a focus on fostering a wide-ranging process to include people from various ideological backgrounds. Turull stressed the need to craft a new roadmap for independence, particularly within the institutional framework. He criticized the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) for breaking the pro-independence coalition by striking a deal with the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSC), which he described as more aligned with Spanish unionism than ever before. This move, according to Turull, represents a significant betrayal of the independence cause and underscores the need for Junts to position itself as a robust alternative to the newly formed government led by President Salvador Illa.
As Junts looks towards its future, Puigdemont’s continued involvement could be pivotal in shaping the party’s strategy and galvanizing the independence movement in Catalonia. Turull’s comments highlight the ongoing relevance of Puigdemont’s leadership, not just within Junts but across the broader landscape of Catalan politics. The party’s congress in October is set to be a defining moment, as Junts seeks to unify and renew its commitment to Catalonia’s independence, with Puigdemont likely playing a significant role in guiding this renewed effort.
