President defends financial model, language, and coexistence during National Day speech

The Catalan president, Salvador Illa, defended the financial model to be implemented in Catalonia during his speech on Wednesday night, ahead of the National Day on September 11.

During a five-minute speech, Illa also discussed "strengthening our culture and our language" because, "in a globalized society, the Catalan language is an added value." He said the government knows the challenge, but it will be "achieved" if people share the "excitement of those who have decided to start learning the language."

Illa took a moment to discuss coexistence, saying that "all living nations, such as Catalonia, are built up from the roots," and asking "not to exclude anyone." "Catalonia has never been led by intolerance, and we will not allow it to happen," he said in his statement. Since the Socialist took office in August last year, he has centered his policies on coexistence, as "strengthening coexistence means guaranteeing the diversity of Catalan society as one of our strengths."

In contrast to previous presidential speeches, such as those from former president Pere Aragonès, who focused on independence, Illa talked about the financial model. The new financial model that Catalonia is negotiating with Spain would mean greater fiscal autonomy for the territory. The proposal is part of an agreement between the Socialists and Esquerra Republicana to back Illa as president.

Since its announcement, the deal has led to persistent controversy among other Spanish regional leaders and opposition political parties against the measure. Illa even met with politicians to address the issue and, in Wednesday's speech, said that "Catalonia does not run away from any responsibility." However, the territory "wants to exercise its self-government policies with the resources it has to improve the lives of Catalans."

Climate change, "genocide," and geopolitical affairs

Before focusing on Catalonia, Salvador Illa started by addressing the "new era the world is starting," as the "deep changes" that people were getting ready for have already exploded and it is important to "protect ourselves."

One of the things Catalonia, and the world, needs to protect itself from is wildfires, as "climate change is an undeniable reality," which is why it is important, according to Illa, to take care of nature and society. He also showed his respect to the firefighter and the two people who lost their lives during the Paüls and Segarra blazes in July.

Illa switched the focus from climate change to current geopolitical affairs, saying it is "necessary to be aware" of the current changes to know how to act and to work on policies based on fundamental rights, considering that Catalonia is part of the European Union.

"In a very uncertain world with many alarming factors of dehumanization, as we see in the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli government and suffered by the Palestinians, Catalonia cannot stay silent," Illa said.

In recent days, the Catalan president has already addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip and has shown his support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Barcelona.

Montserrat

Salvador Illa spoke from the Montserrat Madonna room in the Catalan government headquarters, located in Barcelona.

The room is the entry to the president's office, and a sculpture of the Madonna took center stage at the start of the speech. This year, the Montserrat Monastery is celebrating its millennium and represents Catalonia's values, such as the roots of society, humility, welcoming, and solidarity, as a government statement read.