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New Leadership for Catalonia's Police Force
Sílvia Catà has been named the new chief commissioner of the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, becoming the first woman to hold the position. The appointment was confirmed on 10 September 2026 by Interior Minister Núria Parlon, who stated the decision was hers alone. Catà, born on 14 May 1973 in Arenys de Munt, brings nearly three decades of experience to the role. She has served across various operational and command positions, including as head of the Mossos in Girona and deputy head of the Barcelona police region between 2022 and 2023.
Background and Career
Catà holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Her career has spanned both territorial commands and central services, including a posting in Internal Affairs. From 2018 to 2019, she led the ABP in Mollet del Vallès, and later served as regional coordinator for citizen security in the Barcelona police region. Her selection follows a period of high-level changes within the force. The resignation of former Police Director Josep Lluís Trapero and the appointment of Ferran López as his successor were announced on 9 September 2026, the same day Catà's appointment was finalised.
Leadership and Expectations
According to colleagues, Catà is described as technically competent, hardworking, and confident in command. One recurring assessment is that she has 'clear ideas' and is comfortable giving orders, though some suggest she may need to develop her public speaking for official duties. Parlon has long indicated a desire to appoint a woman to the top role. The 2022 promotion of female commissioners, including Catà and Montserrat Estruch, had previously caused tensions between then-Minister Joan Ignasi Elena and former Mossos head Josep Maria Estela.
Political and Institutional Context
Catà's appointment is seen as a move toward balancing internal factions within the Mossos. While she was promoted during Eduard Sallent’s tenure, sources indicate she is not closely aligned with any single 'family' or faction, including that of former director Trapero, who reportedly opposed her appointment. She will officially take office on 15 September 2026 and will continue to reside in the Maresme region.
Challenges Ahead
Catà inherits a force facing pressing issues, including repeat offending, organised crime, and public perceptions of insecurity. Her leadership will be tested by her ability to unify internal divisions and implement effective policing strategies across Catalonia.
“She has clear ideas and is comfortable in command,” said a senior Mossos commander familiar with her work.
Her appointment marks a historic moment for gender representation in Spain’s law enforcement, as she becomes the first woman to lead a major regional police force in the country.
Primary sources: dsp.interior.gencat.cat, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by ara.cat, en.ara.cat, es.ara.cat, Guillem RS, elindependiente.com, infobae.com, elplural.com, Rosa María Corona Gómez, elconfidencial.com, larazon.es, cadenaser.com, Ara Cat.
