Catalonia's Interior Minister, Núria Parlon, and Mossos d'Esquadra director, Josep Lluís Trapero, have publicly apologised for the infiltration of two officers into a teachers' assembly in Barcelona days before a region-wide strike. Both officials recognised in parliament that the operation was an error.
"We do not interfere in operational decisions. I want to apologise to the CGT education union for the feeling of distrust this has generated in your work," Parlon told union members present at the Interior Committee meeting. Trapero also accepted the mistake, stating: "I recognise the error, but I do not recognise bad faith. I recognise the error in the lack of timeliness."
Minister Parlon admitted the infiltration was an unfortunate act and a poorly planned manoeuvre. She said the method used "is not adequate." According to Parlon, the manoeuvre was well-intentioned but badly executed. The two officers were discovered because they had been seen in uniform at a demonstration days earlier. Parlon added that "unnecessary risks have been taken, also for the image of the force."
Parlon stressed that politically, police autonomy must be respected. She added: "Actions are subject to rules, but they can be improved. And it is in the path of improvement where we want to position ourselves." She also said: "We need to strengthen spaces of trust between social activism and the Mossos."
Operation Deemed Operational
Trapero insisted the operation was operational and aimed to gather information to assess threats and risks in demonstrations and conflicts. The police director explained that the General Information Commissariat collects information on social and labour conflicts that could lead to public order disturbances, with the goal of understanding potential risks. According to Trapero, information is obtained through websites, social media, attending demonstrations, and attending meetings, as in this case.
However, Trapero stated that the operation carried out was not an infiltration in the traditional sense. He said: "We will have this debate before the courts regarding some complaints." In response to the scandal, Trapero confirmed: "We will work to have more filters in these actions." He also pointed out that this practice had been carried out before. "Neither the current minister nor I as director nor the head of the force have made any change in the usual operation compared to what has always been done. The commissioner of the General Information Commissariat is the same as in previous governments. The techniques are the same," Trapero explained.
The Mossos director said a confidential investigation has started to clarify the facts. More filters will be introduced to ensure decision-making occurs at higher levels, and mediation tasks will be strengthened.
Minister Parlon acknowledged that the "poorly planned manoeuvre is now a political problem." She added: "In no case can it erode the good work done by the Mossos d'Esquadra. I face this crisis with determination. Protecting the Mossos force means safeguarding professionalism."
Legal Action Follows Infiltration
The infiltration has caused significant unease among striking unions, who feel criminalised and believe there is political and police persecution against mobilised teachers. Unions such as USTEC, CGT, and Intersindical are preparing a lawsuit to ensure the infiltration does not go unpunished. Their aim is to present constitutional guarantees to protect fundamental rights that may have been violated.
The role of the Mossos also surprised many because historically, the teaching community has always shown a collaborative attitude and institutional respect during mobilisations. The police's actions have generated considerable discontent, with unions and political parties calling for the resignation of Parlon and Trapero.
The first complaint regarding these events has already reached the courts. It was filed by the Osona Lawyers' Association in Defence of Human Rights against Parlon, Trapero, and President Salvador Illa. The complaint attributes possible crimes against the exercise of fundamental rights and public freedoms, in addition to potential responsibilities for administrative prevarication and revelation of secrets.
