Amnesty granted to ex-ERC leader
Marta Rovira, former secretary general of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), has been granted amnesty by the Barcelona High Court in relation to charges connected to her role in the 2017 independence referendum, known as 1-O. The decision was confirmed on 29 September 2026, according to a report by Cadena SER, and marks the formal closure of a judicial process that began over eight years ago. Rovira, who has resided in Geneva for several years, stated she no longer expected the amnesty but welcomed it, noting she had not been convicted and had already stepped back from active politics by July 2024.
"No es pot fer la independència de Catalunya si no hi ha honestedat"
Speaking from Geneva in an interview with SER Catalunya’s 'Aquí Catalunya', Rovira emphasized that independence cannot be achieved without honesty. She reflected on the events before, during and after 1-O, stating that political legitimacy depends on transparency and ethical consensus-building.
Apology over Maragall posters controversy
Rovira reiterated her apology regarding the 2023 scandal involving offensive posters targeting former Catalan minister Ernest Maragall and his brother, former president Pasqual Maragall, which appeared at ERC offices and near Alzheimer’s care centres. The posters bore the slogan “Fora l’Alzheimer de Barcelona”. While she denied being the material author, Rovira accepted her share of responsibility, saying: “I again ask for forgiveness and take responsibility for what belongs to me.” She extended her apology to the Maragall family and all those affected by Alzheimer’s. This comes after ERC’s internal commission, led by compliance officer Mireia Ingla, concluded its investigation and attributed primary responsibility to former communications vice-secretaries Sergi Sabrià and Marc Colomer. The commission described their actions as a serious breach of the party’s ethical code, though no disciplinary action was taken as both have since left the party. Tolo Moya, the former communications director, and another member from Anoia who commissioned the posters were cleared of direct responsibility, as they were found to have acted under orders. Rovira expressed frustration that the current party leadership did not consult her during the internal inquiry, saying: “Obviously, it’s hard for me to accept that no one asked me anything when I have information.” She pledged to formally provide her account in line with party procedures.
Concerns over Aliança Catalana's rise
Rovira also voiced strong concern about the growing influence of Aliança Catalana within the independence movement. She described the development as “highly worrying” and warned against following the group’s lead. “We cannot build a political proposal for our country’s future from independence that is not inclusive and does not include everyone,” she said. She urged fellow republicans to be brave and clear in drawing boundaries, adding: “I deeply regret this.”
More Barcelona coverage on Barna.News: Barcelona court grants amnesty to Marta Rovira.
Primary sources: upf.edu, govern.cat, eb.gencat.cat, gencat.cat. Reported by ara.cat, es.ara.cat, eldiario.es, beteve.cat, elnacional.cat, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, rac1.cat, cadenaser.com, abc.es, elconstitucional.es, rtve.es, naciodigital.cat, Marta Rovira Secretaria general de ERC, Racó Català.
