At a tribute in Planoles, in the Ripollès comarca of Girona province, organized by the Joventut Nacionalista de Catalunya (JNC), Jordi Pujol, former president of the Generalitat, urged Catalonia to actively integrate immigrants. The gathering brought together prominent Junts figures, including Jordi Turull, Josep Rull, Mònica Sales and Albert Batet, as well as former JNC leaders from the Convergència era. It also renewed discussion of Catalan identity and social cohesion.
Pujol, now 96, sat in the front row as Carlota Monfort, president of the JNC’s national council, read his prepared speech. Without naming Aliança Catalana, the pro-independence party led by Ripoll mayor Sílvia Orriols, he challenged the anti-immigration politics gaining prominence in the region. Al Jazeera has described Aliança Catalana as a far-right party whose messaging focuses on restricting migration and portrays Islam as a threat to Catalan society. Its rise has also been discussed in connection with the political impact of the 2017 terrorist attacks in Catalonia.
Pujol said Catalonia’s strength has always come from integrating diverse populations, not from uniformity or exclusion. That vision contrasts with Orriols’s calls to limit who can enter Catalonia and her proposal for a moratorium on immigration. In interviews with La Vanguardia, Orriols has argued that the Generalitat lacks the powers to impose such a moratorium under the current structure, making border control a demand tied to her party’s case for Catalan statehood. The proposal is a political position, not an immigration restriction established by the Generalitat.
The former president urged attendees not to turn political adversaries into enemies. He warned against confusing firmness with sectarianism or identity with exclusion. Pujol described Catalonia as historically pluralistic and said preserving that openness is impressive to its future. He also stressed the responsibility to preserve the Catalan language, pass on cultural values and encourage social cohesion, particularly in a globalized world where identities face increasing challenges.
During the event, Aleix Agustí, the JNC’s current secretary general, praised Pujol’s legacy and the inclusive vision of “Cataluña, un solo pueblo.” The tribute also reaffirmed the importance of integrating newcomers and resisting narratives that promote division. Pujol said Catalonia’s future depends on confidence and a strong sense of self, not fear or nostalgia.
He cautioned against relying solely on political solutions, arguing that a strong nation is built on a responsible and resilient society. Pujol identified internal fatigue and resignation as Catalonia’s greatest threat, ahead of external pressure. He reminded the audience that the region has endured wars, dictatorships and persecution, yet has always persevered.
Debates over identity and inclusion extend beyond Catalonia. Across Spain and Europe, questions about immigration and cultural integration continue to shape political discourse. Public figures have also faced scrutiny over personal and social issues, as when Paula Badosa addressed her breakup with Stefanos Tsitsipas, highlighting how personal narratives can intersect with broader societal debates.
As Catalonia navigates these challenges, integration and unity remain basic to its political and social agenda. The JNC tribute honored Pujol’s decades-long commitment to the region and reignited discussion about the future of Catalan society amid change and growing diversity.
Catalonia has long been a destination for migrants from elsewhere in Spain and abroad, contributing to its economic growth and cultural richness. Across Spain, political parties are debating how to preserve local identity while welcoming newcomers, and Catalonia’s approach to integration is closely watched. The discussion reflects broader European trends, with language, culture and social cohesion at the forefront of public policy.
