Patricia Beach, the government spokesperson, indicated that the ERC Executive is working to expand the relationship as much as possible so that Formula 1 can continue organizing the Grand Prix in Catalonia. After news broke that the 2026 race would be held in Madrid and that Catalonia might lose the event, Plaja commented that they are aiming for the 2024 Grand Prix to be an outstanding prize, matching the successes achieved in the past. He noted that the government is not officially informed of any headquarters changes for Formula 1 and stressed that there is a strong working rapport with the organizers, adding that there is a solid understanding with them.
He added that the agreement remains valid through 2026. The organizers had not contacted the government with any official changes, and discussions continue with ongoing meetings ranging from weekly to monthly, with frequent daily exchanges. The government is committed to maintaining the Grand Prix until 2026 and remains hopeful that the event will continue if all required conditions and elements are in place. Officials are also looking into the possibility of rumors regarding Catalonia losing Formula 1, seeking to verify any facts.
This is not a mere table game
On another front, the government spokesman underscored that the state respects the negotiation meeting held last Saturday between PSOE and Junts on the Catalan conflict. He stated that the President intends to collaborate because the state and the parties share common goals and a path toward negotiation. According to him, both sides are working from the same side of the table, pursuing a shared objective where the government, ERC, and Junts align in their aims.
Beach pressed Junts to remain focused on the negotiation strategy. He urged all political parties to approach the negotiation with mutual respect as they pursue shared goals with the government. He also highlighted the differences in the negotiation tracks between party-to-party discussions and the bilateral meeting between the heads of government and the Generalitat, scheduled for December 21 at the Palau de la Generalitat.
CGPJ renewal stalemate
Regarding the blocking of the renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) by the PP, the spokesperson argued that the obstruction harms citizens and damages a healthy democracy. He emphasized that a necessary renewal is part of natural processes, and council members must be renewed to ensure proper functioning of the judiciary.