Catalan President Salvador Illa gathered his cabinet this weekend at Món Sant Benet in Sant Fruitós de Bages, Central Catalonia, to plan strategies for strengthening public services.
This marks the fourth time the government has held a working session outside the Palau de la Generalitat. Previous sessions took place in Poblet, Conca de Barberà; Vall de Núria, Ripollès, in April 2025; and Arnes, Terra Alta, last August. The current meeting, held behind closed doors, started at 11am on Saturday, with Illa scheduled to conclude the event with an institutional statement at 9.30am on Sunday.
Boosting Government Action
According to Generalitat sources, the working session aims to boost government action and speed up the transformation of public services and Catalonia as a whole. Beyond discussion, the sessions are designed to lead to decisions and set the roadmap for the coming months.
The government faces significant challenges with three months remaining until the current parliamentary session ends, just before the summer break. Priority issues include the management of Rodalia train services, demands from doctors and the educational community, and social services needs.
Budget Negotiations Continue Amidst Investigation
After approving a credit supplement of approximately €6 billion, the government is negotiating this year's budget with ERC and Comuns. Officials want to finalise the budget as soon as possible, by July at the latest. These discussions continue despite a judicial investigation, announced this week, concerning Eduard Rivas. Rivas, who served as mayor of Esparreguera, Baix Llobregat, from 2015 to 2024, is now Illa's chief of staff. The investigation relates to contracts awarded during his municipal tenure.
