Former head of the Generalitat Pere Aragonès spoke in Istanbul, sharing his perspective on the changes that have taken place in Catalonia in recent years. According to him, it was negotiations with the Spanish government that made possible what once seemed impossible. He recalled such steps as the granting of pardons and the adoption of the amnesty law, which were the result of a complex but necessary dialogue between Barcelona and Madrid.
Aragonès took part in an international conference focused on peaceful conflict resolution. During his speech, he emphasized that the path to change was far from easy: sometimes progress was slow, at times facing significant resistance. Nonetheless, the politician is convinced that persistence and a willingness to engage in dialogue enabled the Catalan movement to move forward.
The role of negotiations
In Aragonès’ view, the achievements of recent years became possible thanks to political leadership and the ability to seize emerging opportunities. He pointed out that talks with the central government did not begin because of a sudden sympathy for Catalan demands, but due to political necessity: the government needed the votes of Catalan deputies to confirm Pedro Sánchez as prime minister.
“What matters is not why the negotiations started, but what they have led to,” Aragonès stated. He recalled that thanks to these agreements, the amnesty law was passed, marking a significant step for many participants in the Catalan movement. However, he noted that this law has not solved all the problems: questions remain regarding the fate of Carles Puigdemont and the lifting of the political ban on Oriol Junqueras.
Limited achievements
Aragonès acknowledged that despite the progress made, the Catalan issue is far from being fully resolved. He emphasized that the amnesty is not a cure-all and has not completely eliminated the pressure on independence supporters. In his words, there is still a long road ahead, and much remains to be done for Catalans to be able to determine their own future.
In his address, the politician also expressed solidarity with the Kurdish people, noting that the struggle for the right to self-determination unites different nations. He stressed that the Catalan movement continues to move forward despite all difficulties and obstacles.
Looking ahead
The former president of Catalonia pointed out that resolving protracted conflicts requires strategic thinking and patience. He reminded that the roots of the Catalan issue run deep into history, so a quick solution cannot be expected. According to Aragonès, only consistent work and a willingness to engage in dialogue can bring about real change.
He also noted that political processes often unfold unpredictably, and it is important to seize even brief opportunities to advance one’s goals. Aragonès called on independence supporters to remain united and not lose faith in the possibility of change.
In case you didn’t know, Pere Aragonès is one of the key figures in the Catalan political movement in recent years. He led the Generalitat de Catalunya from 2021 to 2024 and was one of the initiators of negotiations with Spain’s central government. Aragonès is known for his commitment to peaceful dialogue and seeking compromise, as well as his active participation in international conferences on self-determination and minority rights.
