The Catalan branch of the Partido Popular (PP) has demanded Generalitat President Salvador Illa appear before the Parlament. This follows a weekend of violent incidents across Catalonia that left two people dead and two injured.
Santi Rodríguez, the PP Catalonia Secretary General, made the request on Monday, 4 May. He criticised "the silence of the Govern" regarding these events. Incidents occurred in Barcelona's Fòrum and Raval districts. Further incidents took place in Esplugues de Llobregat and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
Rodríguez stated, "This can be a sadly concentrated summary of some of the ills we suffer." He accused President Illa of focusing more on international issues than on local concerns. "Illa is more worried about the Flotilla that went towards Israel and towards Gaza than about what is happening in the neighbourhoods of Catalonia," Rodríguez claimed.
The Fòrum area, located at the northern end of Barcelona's Diagonal Mar, often hosts large events. The Raval, a central Barcelona neighbourhood, is home to a diverse population and faces ongoing challenges with public safety. Esplugues de Llobregat and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat are significant municipalities within the Barcelona metropolitan area.
PP Criticises Govern's Silence
Alejandro Fernández, the PP Catalan President, also commented on the incidents. He posted on X, including a photograph of the alleged perpetrator of a stabbing in Esplugues. Fernández stated, "We have long warned that if we did the same as France, the same thing would happen to us as to France." He added, "Well, it is already happening."
Rodríguez further emphasised the need for more Mossos d'Esquadra officers on the streets. He called for the regional police force to fully exercise its existing powers. This contrasts with other political proposals to deploy Mossos at borders or assign them maritime service duties.
Calls for Increased Police Presence
"The Mossos must fully develop their competences, those they currently have, to guarantee the security of all Catalans," Rodríguez asserted. He added, "In this sense, there is much work to be done." The Mossos d'Esquadra serve as Catalonia's autonomous police force, responsible for public safety and order across the region.
Their role and deployment are frequent subjects of political debate. The Partido Popular's demand highlights ongoing concerns about public safety among residents and visitors in Barcelona and its surrounding areas. Many residents rely on the Mossos d'Esquadra for daily security. The call for increased police presence and full use of powers reflects a desire for stronger local law enforcement.
Political Reactions and Future Steps
The request for President Illa's appearance in the Parlament will likely lead to further debate. This will focus on the Generalitat's strategy for addressing crime and public order. Political parties often use such incidents to press for policy changes and accountability from the ruling government. The discussion will shape future approaches to policing and security across Catalonia.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
