Josep Vila has been elected the new president of the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) for the next two years. The decision was made by the new National Secretariat in Igualada, marking a leadership change as Lluís Llach chose not to seek re-election.
Vila secured 39 of the 58 votes cast, exceeding the two-thirds qualified majority required in the first round. Llach also received 39 votes to become vice-president. The meeting in Igualada, following last week's elections, also saw Ariadna Heinz, from the former critical sector of the organisation, appointed secretary, and Blanca Currià named treasurer.
Llach told the ACN news agency that the leadership change was consensual and driven by health reasons. "I want to help however I can, within my possibilities," he stated, emphasising that he is neither "tired" nor "giving up" the fight for independence. His new role will involve supporting territorial assemblies and conveying his intention "not to surrender."
Leadership Transition and Internal Cohesion
Sources from the organisation explained that the National Secretariat's constitution plenary proceeded smoothly. This contrasts with 2024, when Llach's election was delayed by a week and required several blocked votes due to the critical sector.
Llach, with Vila by his side, described his successor as the "president of unity," tasked with continuing the ANC's renewal process started during the previous term. Vila expressed satisfaction that the new governing period begins with "much internal cohesion," despite what he considers Catalonia's "critical situation."
Vila's Background and Future Plans
The new ANC leader is an educator, professor, and activist. He has been a member of the pro-independence organisation since its foundation in 2012. During the previous term, which concluded on Saturday, he served as coordinator of the Political Advocacy Commission.
Vila anticipates a "much more accentuated" relaunch of the pro-independence organisation, given the internal consensus following the critical sector's departure last summer. "We need to 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 launching an independence offensive."
