Terrassa was the setting for Salvador Illa’s latest message on the cases affecting the PSOE, as the PSC leader called for respect for justice, the presumption of innocence, and the honour of people and institutions involved. Speaking at the PSC National Council, he said, “We are not blind or naive: they will neither break us nor silence us.”
Illa, who is President of the Generalitat and First Secretary of the PSC, also said the party would act firmly against anyone who breaks its values. The meeting approved the first 126 candidates for the municipal elections across Catalonia, including nine municipalities that will have a socialist candidate for the first time.
He also praised Pedro Sánchez’s government, describing its work as “excellent”, and thanked it for its efforts. In his speech, delivered in Catalan and Spanish, Illa said the PSC has the “seal of credibility” and added: “What we say, we do.”
At the event, held at the Terrassa Exhibition Centre, Illa also praised Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni for his handling of the Pope’s visit and the blessing of the Sagrada Família’s Jesus Tower. He said it had been “a good week” because people had felt proud, and added that “Barcelona and the Sagrada Família have illuminated the world, and we have all done it together.”
Addressing the municipal candidates, Illa urged them to put politics “in public service” and said they carry the legacy of 50 years of socialism in Catalonia, naming Ernest Lluch and Pasqual Maragall. He set out five principles for a socialist leader, putting people before the party, leading with representative teams, being realistic, being constructive and plural, and seeking challenges and opportunities even in difficult times.
The council took place in a historically socialist municipality where the party lost the mayoralty in 2019, when former socialist Jordi Ballart stood with his independent party. Candidate Javi García also spoke at the event. Outside the venue, about 15 teachers in yellow protested with a banner that read: “Illa listen, the agreement is insufficient and public education cannot wait.”
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