Josep Vila has been elected the new president of the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) for the next two years. The vote took place in Igualada, marking a change in leadership as Lluís Llach chose not to seek re-election. Llach will remain on the board as vice-president.
Vila secured 39 of the 58 votes cast, exceeding the two-thirds majority required in the first ballot. Llach also received 39 votes for his election as vice-president. The new National Secretariat, formed after last week's elections, also appointed Ariadna Heinz, from the former critical sector of the organisation, as secretary, and Blanca Currià as treasurer.
Llach told the ACN news agency that the leadership change was consensual and driven by health reasons. "I want to help as much as I can, within my possibilities," he stated, emphasising that he is neither "tired" nor "giving up" the fight for independence. His future role will involve supporting territorial assemblies and conveying his intention "not to surrender."
A Smooth Transition
Sources within the organisation said the plenary session to constitute the National Secretariat proceeded smoothly, unlike in 2024. That year, Llach's election was delayed by a week due to blocked votes from the critical sector. With Vila by his side, Llach described his successor as the "president of unity," tasked with continuing the ANC's renewal process started during the previous term.
Vila celebrated the new governing period beginning with "much internal cohesion," despite what he sees as Catalonia's "critical situation." The new ANC leader is a pedagogue, professor, and activist, holding membership in the pro-independence organisation since its founding in 2012. During the recently concluded term, he coordinated the Political Advocacy Commission.
Future Plans for the ANC
Vila anticipates a "much more accentuated" relaunch of the pro-independence organisation, given the internal consensus following the departure of the critical sector last summer. "We must simplify procedures, speed up decision-making, and make it easier to carry out actions," Vila added. He believes the ANC's renewal must prepare it to "build a social majority capable of making a pro-independence stand."
