In Catalonia, the debate over the need to launch a national convention aimed at resolving the protracted political standoff has intensified once again. Last week, this issue took center stage in the regional parliament when representatives of the Republicans (ERC) reminded lawmakers of the agreements reached during the formation of the new government. It was this provision that allowed the socialist Salvador Illa to become head of the Generalitat.
The Socialists (PSC) do not oppose the creation of a special commission that would seek a compromise on Catalonia’s territorial structure and future. They emphasize their intention to abide by all points of the coalition agreement. However, despite formal approval, the mechanism to launch the convention has yet to be activated, and no concrete steps have been taken to organize negotiations so far.
The initiative has been supported by 107 deputies representing a broad political spectrum: from Republicans and Socialists to Junts, Comunes, and CUP. What unites them is the drive to develop a broad agreement capable of strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the idea of regional national and social sovereignty. Opponents include representatives of conservative and far-right parties, as well as advocates of a hardline approach to Catalonia’s autonomy.
The Republicans refrained from criticizing their colleagues for previous delays but reminded them that the launch of the convention was established in the coalition agreement as early as last summer. According to the agreement, discussions were to begin immediately after the formation of the new government, and the commission was to include representatives from all parliamentary factions. The commission is to be chaired by an ERC representative. In addition to overseeing the amnesty process, the commission is also mandated to initiate a public debate on ways to resolve the political crisis.
So far, the Catalan government has not taken concrete steps to implement this mechanism. Meanwhile, the Republicans emphasize that further budget negotiations directly depend on the Socialists fulfilling their commitments to the region, especially regarding special funding. The PSC has given assurances of its readiness for dialogue and a prompt agreement, but the timeline remains unclear. In a recent vote on an opposition proposal, the Republicans abstained, once again highlighting the complexity of the situation.
