Political and Cultural Figures Unite for Book Event
Miquel Roca Junyent, one of the seven MPs who drafted Spain’s 1978 Constitution and a key figure in Catalan political transition, will appear at the Port de la Selva on Wednesday 19 August to present the book Converses de sobretaula al Motel. Diàleg sobre l'Empordà i el país d'avui, written by Joan Armangué and Xavier Febrés. The event begins at 7pm at Espai Port, located at Moll d’en Balleu. Roca’s participation adds high-level political perspective to a work rooted in conversation. The book, published by Editorial Gavarres as the 16th volume in its Narratives series, captures long discussions between Armangué and Febrés at the dining table of the Motel Empordà in Figueres. These exchanges form a critical portrait of contemporary Empordà, moving beyond tourist imagery to examine deep-seated issues.
Conversar, debatre i reflexionar al voltant d’una taula, també és assaborir l’Empordà.
The authors explore topics including tourism models, administrative divisions, industrial decline, infrastructure gaps, immigration, urban planning and social contradictions in a region often romanticised. The Motel Empordà, a historic establishment in Empordà cuisine and a place frequented by writer Josep Pla, serves not just as backdrop but as a symbol of reflective dialogue in contrast to today’s fast-paced public discourse.
Authors Bring Diverse Expertise
Joan Armangué, an economist and former mayor of Figueres from 1995 to 2007, brings political and economic insight. Xavier Febrés, a veteran journalist and writer, contributes a literary and historical lens. Their collaboration blends rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling, aiming to revive the art of conversation as a tool for understanding regional identity. According to a review by Rosa Maria Moret in Empordà.info, the book’s 12 carefully chosen chapters offer a generational portrait of the region, referencing prominent figures, media reports and cultural touchstones in an agile, plain style. The work includes a foreword by journalist and writer Sebastià Roig.
The half of all conversation is listening.
Febrés emphasized this principle during a previous presentation at Ona bookshop, as reported by La Vanguardia, framing dialogue as essential amid current social tensions.
Roca’s Deep Regional Ties
Born in Bordeaux in 1940, Roca co-founded Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya in 1974 and served as MP for Barcelona from 1977 to 1995, notably as spokesperson for the Catalan parliamentary group. He remains active in public life as founding partner and honorary president of law firm RocaJunyent and as a patron of the Fundació Gala-Dalí. His long-standing connection to the Port de la Selva grounds his involvement in this cultural event. By joining Armangué and Febrés, Roca contributes over five decades of institutional and political experience to a dialogue that seeks to understand the present through reflection, memory and shared meals.
Residents and visitors can attend the presentation at Espai Port on Wednesday 19 August at 19:00. The book is available through TROA Librerías and La Salvatge Llibres.
Reported by Rosa Maria Moret, lavanguardia.com, Joan Armangué, Roser Julià, troa.es, Santi Coll/Empordà.info, Xavier Febrés Verdú, lasalvatgellibres.cat, Santi Coll, L'Empordà.
