Catalonia to Seek a Second Independence Phase in 2024, Says Regional Leader
In a bold Christmas address, Catalonia's leader Pere Aragonès proposes a 2024 timeline to start a new phase toward independence from Spain.
Charlie Kennedy
- 2023-12-27
- Updated 03:44 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - On December 26, Pere Aragonès, the leader of Catalonia, delivered a significant Christmas address outlining his vision for the region's future. Aragonès set 2024 as the pivotal year to begin negotiation processes with the Spanish government, intending to allow Catalonia to freely decide its own destiny. His comments suggest the start of a second phase of independence after the controversial 2017 referendum. Furthermore, Aragonès highlighted the necessity to reform amnesty laws so that individuals who departed Catalonia following the 2017 events could return safely.
Focus on Financial and Social Reforms
Pere Aragonès underscored the need for fiscal reform, aiming to reach an agreement with Spain on a new tax system for Catalonia by next year. He stated that the current financial deficit is intolerable, depriving the region of critical resources needed for enhancing public sectors such as health and education. Aragonès argued that this deficit also hampers the ability to support the self-employed, workers, entrepreneurs, aid dependents, and combat gender-based violence. In terms of the legislative process, he called upon the cooperation of other political parties in Catalonia to approve the budget for 2024, noting that while the 2023 budget has already been passed, plans for the following year remain unapproved.
Tackling Drought and Educational Challenges
Addressing the most intense drought ever experienced in Catalonia, the regional government has expressed its commitment to actively help farmers and make broader societal efforts to mitigate this environmental crisis. Investments in future infrastructure aimed at water resilience were announced as part of the measures to combat the effects of climate change. In education, Aragonès placed emphasis on recent poor PISA test outcomes as an urgent challenge to be addressed, pointing to children and youth as the foundation for Catalonia's future. He concluded his address by reflecting on the progress achieved over the past year and encouraged his constituents to remain confident and determined to face the ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, Pere Aragonès' address not only reaffirmed his intent to forge ahead with Catalonia's controversial quest for independence but also laid out a framework for social and economic reforms. This movement toward a potential second independence bid underscores the regional leader’s commitment to resolving Catalonia's most pressing issues, from an unsustainable financial shortfall to environmental sustainability and education reform. The specific plans and the response of the Spanish government remain to be seen as Catalonia moves into what may become a significant period of transition and negotiation.