Illa joins National Day parade in Madrid
Catalan President Salvador Illa attended the 12 October National Day military parade in Madrid, marking his third consecutive appearance at the event since taking office. The parade, presided over by the King of Spain, commemorates Spain's national holiday, also known as Fiesta Nacional de España.
'Defending a plural Spain'
From Madrid, Illa posted on social media platform X: "Davant d'aquells que només volen una Espanya per a ells sols, Catalunya sempre hi serà per defensar l'Espanya plural, un país de tots i amb tots." The message translates to: "Faced with those who only want a Spain for themselves, Catalonia will always be here to defend a plural Spain, a country for and with everyone." This stance reasserts his government's position in favour of national unity within diversity, contrasting with the approach of his immediate predecessors.
Faced with those who only want a Spain for themselves, Catalonia will always be here to defend a plural Spain, a country for and with everyone.
Revival of Montilla-era tradition
Illa's attendance continues a practice last seen during José Montilla's presidency, who represented the Catalan government at similar events over a decade ago. Montilla, president of the Generalitat from 2006 to 2010, last attended the parade in 2010, as confirmed by official records on govern.cat. Since then, Illa's predecessors, Artur Mas, Carles Puigdemont, Quim Torra and Pere Aragonès, chose not to participate in the Madrid ceremony. Illa's renewed presence signals a shift in tone and a return to institutional engagement with national events in the Spanish capital.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by cronicaglobal.cat.
