The Generalitat president Ximo Puig spoke about uniting a country that is plural and diverse, facing the tough challenges of the energy crisis and the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. He endorsed a joint effort by all institutions to improve the lives of people and families in the current climate, with a focus on solidarity and practical action.
Puig attended ceremonies in Madrid today, on National Holiday, October 12. In previous years, the head of the Generalitat urged a federal model and greater decentralization, but this time he sent a message centered on unity within the Spain of autonomous communities. The moment comes amid deeply polarized political positions, notably after the renewal talks for the General Assembly of the Judiciary stalled and led to Carlos Lesmes’s resignation.
“Today is a day to feel closer than ever, united from a foundation of diversity, like Spain itself. There can be no Spain that divides Spain. It should be understood as plural and diverse,” declared the head of the Consell.
National Holiday Day
“Today we celebrate a plural and diverse Spain. We should work toward more unity and prioritize the welfare of citizens.” ️ @ximopuig pic.twitter.com/Cpp2IQE0yS
— Generalitat (@generalitat) 12 October 2022
The regional president, addressing the present situation, emphasized that the moment calls for thinking about people and families. He noted that the country is in an extraordinarily complex phase caused by high inflation and the fallout from Putin’s war. “All of this should concern us. It is not about confrontation, but about how all institutions can act to improve the lives of people and families,” he stated.
Power of Attorney
Regarding the ongoing judiciary crisis, Puig described it as a democratic anomaly. He said renewal did not occur at this institution and that Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused his party of obstructing such an agreement whenever in opposition.
“A constitutional truth with the consensus of the majority has been permanently blocked by a party. He does not accept that this is a fundamental part of democracy.” Yet he believes Lesmes’s resignation came too late, arguing it should have happened years earlier to unblock the deal.
He added that the objective now is to reach an agreement to stabilize a fundamental institution and to safeguard the functioning of a citizen right: justice. The head of Consell also valued the central government’s contingency plan to reduce gas and electricity use. He underscored that progress is undeniable in producing green energy from renewables and that energy efficiency measures should be highlighted as soon as possible.
“All of Europe should work to limit consumption, and the measures being considered aim to lower the household bill,” he argued.