First Vice President Addresses French Election Result and Democratic Duty

The First Vice President of the Generalitat, Vicente Barrera (Vox), expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the second round of the French legislative elections, while also acknowledging the voters’ decision and respecting the victory of the left. He noted that he would have preferred a different result, yet he emphasized that democratic choices must be accepted and treated as valid. Barrera underscored that the people are sovereign and that what the electorate decides should be respected, even when the decision is not to one’s personal liking. This sentiment was shared as he concluded his remarks after presenting a new novilladas circuit organized by the Fundación Toro de Lidia and financed by the Generalitat. “What I would have liked is for Marine Le Pen to win decisively, but that did not happen. The people have spoken, and what any democrat must acknowledge is that the people’s choice stands”, Barrera stated. He added that democracy involves accepting the outcome, regardless of personal preferences, and pointed out that the will of the people can be more or less favorable to different viewpoints. The remarks came at the closing moment of the event, where the ceremony featured the launch of the newly organized novilladas circuit, a project backed by the Generalitat and administered through the Fundación Toro de Lidia. A notable attendee at the ceremony was Llanos Massó, the president of the Corts. Earlier in the day, she had posted a tweet criticizing the French national team players who had urged opposition to the far right, describing them as “elitist millionaire imbeciles” for allegedly condemning their fellow citizens to insecurity and disaster while living in mansions. Her message attracted attention and sparked discussions about the role of public figures in political discourse. When questioned about Massó’s tweet, Barrera said he was not familiar with the post and expressed doubt that anyone would call others imbeciles without justification. He added that, regardless of any disagreements about the election results, the democratic process must be respected. Barrera reiterated his stance: while personal preferences are natural, the outcomes are the ones that exist, and citizens must accept them as part of a functioning democracy. The event highlighted ongoing debates about political leadership, public responsibility, and the intersection of culture and civic life. Barrera emphasized that the Generalitat supports cultural initiatives and events that contribute to regional identity and public engagement, while also navigating the complexities of national and European politics. He reiterated that the will of the people is the central pillar of democratic legitimacy and that leaders should respond with respect for the process, even when outcomes are not aligned with their own expectations. The discussion also touched on how public discourse shapes perceptions of leadership and political participation. Barrera’s comments reflected a broader conversation about how party members perceive electoral changes when results shift in ways that challenge their initial positions. He insisted on a measured response, urging fellow democrats to accept results with grace and to continue to participate in civic life with a sense of responsibility. In sum, the proceedings underscored the enduring value of democratic norms. The vice president’s reflections on the French electoral result, the acknowledgement of the voters’ sovereignty, and the emphasis on the legitimacy of the political process formed a narrative about accountability, cultural stewardship, and commitment to the public good. The event demonstrated how political figures can engage with complex outcomes while maintaining decorum and respect for democratic institutions. The overarching message remained clear: democracy thrives when leaders recognize the will of the people and respond with integrity, even when outcomes are not their preferred ones.