The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) municipal group in Lleida used Sant Jordi's Day to champion the Catalan language, directly criticising Socialist leader Salvador Illa for consistently referring to the city by its Spanish name, "Lérida". The party's stall on Rambla Ferran served as a focal point for a broader national campaign dedicated to the defence and promotion of Catalan.
The event saw participation from several key political figures, including Congress MP Inés Granollers, ERC Parliament spokesperson Marta Vilalta, Deputy Provincial Council Vice-President Estefania Rufach, and Lleida City Council (Paeria) spokesperson Jordina Freixanet. Freixanet underscored the party's unwavering commitment, stating that they "defend Catalan in Madrid, in Barcelona, at the Provincial Council and also in Lleida."
This commitment was further demonstrated through the municipal group's latest publication, L'Ideal, which was entirely dedicated to the Catalan language. Freixanet articulated a comprehensive vision for language defence, asserting that "Catalan is defended in institutions and it is defended fiercely, but above all it is also defended in the streets, in schools, in squares, in shops, in neighbourhoods, in sport and everywhere." This statement reflects the party's belief in the pervasive role of Catalan in daily life.
Promoting Catalan Identity and History
At their Sant Jordi stall, ERC distributed copies of L'Ideal, alongside traditional Lleida Sant Jordi pins featuring the iconic mythical dragon Marraco. They also handed out reproductions of stickers from significant historical campaigns aimed at promoting Catalan, such as those associated with the 'Norma' initiative. Freixanet highlighted the importance of collective memory in this ongoing effort, reminding attendees that "we do not start from zero" but rather build upon "all the campaigns that have also served to unite and publicise the language."
A central point of contention raised by Freixanet was the linguistic choices of the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa. She openly lamented his continued use of "Lérida" instead of the official Catalan name, Lleida. Freixanet issued a pointed warning, suggesting that while "once can be a lapse, twice can be a lapse, but beyond that, one must ask if he truly believes in this city." This criticism underscores the deep cultural and political significance attached to the correct use of place names in Catalonia.
Ongoing Language Debate
The Sant Jordi's Day event in Lleida is an integral part of ERC's wider national strategy to strengthen the status and usage of the Catalan language across all societal spheres. The party's consistent advocacy, particularly its willingness to challenge high-profile political figures over their linguistic choices, highlights the enduring importance of language defence within Catalonia's political and cultural landscape. This ongoing debate reflects broader discussions about linguistic normalisation and identity in the region.
