Catalan President Salvador Illa criticised the judicial summons for former President Jordi Pujol to appear before Spain's Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, during an event in Barcelona on 22 April 2026, appealing for 'seny' or common sense. Mr Pujol is summoned for an in-person declaration and a new medical examination. "I ask for 'seny'. In common sense, one always finds the adequate basis for justice," Illa stated. He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the Dia de les Esquadres 2026 at the International Convention Centre of Barcelona (CCIB), an event he led alongside Interior and Public Security Minister Núria Parlon and Mossos Chief Commissioner Miquel Esquius. ## Health Concerns for Former President Illa explained that he spoke with Mr Pujol by telephone on 13 April. During their conversation, the former president excused his absence from an event in El Vendrell, Tarragona, which was to inaugurate the Pau Casals Year. "He told me: 'Nothing would make me happier than to attend the inauguration of the Casals Year. Pau Casals, peace, the patriotism of Catalonia... But I cannot come. I am weak,' he told me. 'I do not feel strong enough to come, and I ask you to excuse me because I was looking forward to being there,'" Illa recounted. The President highlighted that Mr Pujol "could not go to El Vendrell," adding, "I say this because El Vendrell is considerably closer than Madrid. And I ask for 'seny'," he reiterated. Mr Pujol is expected to appear before the Audiencia Nacional next Monday, 27 April 2026.