At the start of the new political season in Catalonia, attention is once again focused on the talks between Salvador Illa and Carles Puigdemont, which took place in Brussels. This meeting became a pivotal moment for both sides as they seek to determine the region’s future course.
Salvador Illa, who has taken charge of the Catalan government, set a clear priority from the beginning of his mandate—to restore stability to the autonomous region’s political life. For him, dialogue with Puigdemont was an inevitable step, despite all the complexities and risks involved. Illa would have preferred to hold such talks in Barcelona, but legal circumstances forced him to travel to the Belgian capital.
For Carles Puigdemont and his supporters from Junts, this meeting was far from simple. Over the past years, they have built their position on asserting that the former Catalan leader’s presence abroad is evidence of an ongoing crisis. In their view, the very fact that negotiations are being held in Brussels confirms that the situation in the region is far from normal.
At the same time, it was important for Illa to demonstrate his willingness for dialogue and acknowledge his opponent’s special status. He makes no secret of his support for Puigdemont’s return to Barcelona, considering it a necessary condition for the further development of the political process.
The Junts party is struggling to maintain its previous rhetoric. After the meeting in Brussels, it has become more difficult for them to accuse Illa of ignoring the exceptional nature of the situation. Now, both sides are forced to seek new arguments to justify their positions.
The issue of normalizing political life in Catalonia remains central for Illa’s government. He sees a return to genuine dialogue and discussions about the region’s future as the only way to overcome the consequences of years of confrontation. Achieving this requires not only negotiations but also a willingness to compromise.
Catalonia is going through a period of reevaluation and searching for new directions. After many years of uncertainty and political conflict, the region needs renewal. Salvador Illa is focusing on openness and consistent steps to restore public trust and create the conditions for constructive discussion about the future of autonomy.
