Video: @salvadorilla / X
"Let the veteran take the penalty"
President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa has urged Catalans to mobilise in support of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ahead of the 29th November general election. In an interview on Catalunya Ràdio on Tuesday 20th October 2026, Illa used a football metaphor to underscore his message: "Let the veteran take the penalty, not the debutant."
Illa described the upcoming election as "very transcendental," warning of the "evolutionary" and "regressive" threat posed by the PP and Vox. His remarks follow PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s announcement this Monday of plans to reinforce Spanish language instruction in schools, outlined in his "Contract with Spain" document.
Defending Catalan language and education
Feijóo’s proposal, which seeks to guarantee Spanish-language teaching across Spain and eliminate alleged "indoctrination" in classrooms, has reignited debate over Catalonia’s linguistic immersion model. Illa responded firmly: "The Catalan language is not to be touched." He accused Feijóo of promoting division, stating, "It’s a shame that some see languages as weapons of confrontation rather than bridges of understanding."
Illa also criticised efforts by PP representatives to block official recognition of Catalan at the European level, calling such actions emblematic of a broader authoritarian trend. He framed the election as a choice between "democracy or authoritarianism," directly challenging those who claim neutrality, including Junts spokesperson Miriam Nogueras. "Are you with democracy or with authoritarianism?" he asked.
Mínguez resignation: "A broken person"
Addressing the recent resignation of PSOE spokesperson Montse Mínguez, Illa expressed deep regret over what he called a "witch hunt." Mínguez stepped down on Friday 17th October following media reports about the real estate activities of her partner, Sergi Vélez, whose companies reportedly earned at least €1.3 million in 2025.
"I personally asked Montse Mínguez not to resign, but I saw a broken person. Politics has limits."
According to sources within the party, Mínguez had been set to lead the PSOE list for Lleida in the 29N elections. Illa confirmed she had the party’s full confidence but chose to step aside to protect the campaign. Prime Minister Sánchez echoed the sentiment, stating, "Politics sometimes mistreats good people."
"Things that are not true have been published," Illa added, refuting claims that Mínguez received preferential treatment from Lleida City Council.
Business, housing and pensions
Illa also addressed economic concerns, criticising business leaders who demand state intervention when energy prices rise but oppose regulation in housing. "It’s not acceptable to intervene in the market only when it suits you," he said, reaffirming support for both the productive sector and tenants facing eviction.
On pensions, Illa dismissed claims about their unsustainability, calling them "guaranteed" and "a successful system." He accused the PP and Vox of acting as "spokespersons for big money" by promoting private capitalisation schemes that benefit financial intermediaries through commissions.
Reported by 3cat.cat, t.co, diaripublic.cat, es.ara.cat, elpais.com, theobjective.com, eldebate.com, rac1.cat, elconstitucional.es, 3CatInfo Barcelona.
