Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, has replaced his chief of staff, Eduard Rivas, with Xavier Amor, effective Tuesday 3rd November at the Executive Council meeting, according to the Department of the Presidency. Rivas is stepping down by "his own decision", the government stated, and Illa has thanked him for his "commitment" and "services rendered".

Rivas, who served as mayor of Esparreguera from 2015 to 2024, has been under judicial investigation since earlier this year over alleged irregularities in municipal contracts for street cleaning and public space maintenance between 2022 and 2024. In January 2026, the Mossos d’Esquadra searched municipal offices and seized his mobile phone. The probe forms part of a broader case involving the Esparreguera Employment Insertion Foundation (FIL), where public funds may have been diverted for private expenses. Three individuals were arrested in February 2025, though none held public office.

Government Maintained Confidence Until Now

Despite the ongoing investigation, Illa publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Rivas as recently as April 2026. Government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque stated then that the case did not cause "concern" for the executive and defended Rivas’ presumption of innocence and his cooperation with judicial authorities.

The president has full confidence in the justice system and in the individuals serving in his government, as long as they act with integrity and transparency.

Xavier Amor Takes Over

Xavier Amor, born in Pineda de Mar in 1975, will assume the role of chief of staff. He served as mayor of Pineda de Mar from 2007 to 2024 and was a councillor there for eight years prior. He also chaired the Federation of Municipalities of Catalonia from 2013 to 2019. A graduate in Business Administration and Management, Amor has studied Commerce and Public Sector Governance.

Amor most recently served as Secretary of Local Governments and Relations with Aran before his appointment. His confirmation will take place at Tuesday’s Executive Council session.

Sources: El Món, Ara, Nació Digital, ABC.