Josep Lluís Trapero, the director general of the Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, is facing calls for his dismissal in Catalonia after reports emerged of agents infiltrating teachers' assemblies. This development has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from parliamentary groups including the Comuns, who are demanding his removal.
The controversy comes as teachers are already protesting against the government over working conditions and an agreement signed with trade unions CCOO and UGT. The infiltration has intensified the dispute, adding to existing tensions over a pilot programme that placed plainclothes officers in 15 schools across the country, according to Nació Digital.
Trapero, a figure who has transcended policing to become part of popular culture, gained significant public recognition following the 2017 Barcelona and Cambrils terror attacks. His direct communication style, including his now-famous 'Bueno, pues muy bien, pues adiós' (Well, very good, goodbye) response to a journalist, resonated with the public and generated sympathy for the Mossos d'Esquadra.
Trapero's Political Connections and Past Controversies
Trapero's career reflects much of Catalonia's political history over the last decade. He earned the trust of former president Carles Puigdemont, who promoted him to the rank of major in April 2017, just months before the independence referendum. He was known to attend lunches with Puigdemont's inner circle, even playing the guitar for guests like journalist Pilar Rahola, Nació Digital reported.
His public confrontation with Diego Pérez de los Cobos, the Spanish state official sent to Catalonia to manage the referendum response, led many to believe Trapero supported the 1 October 2017 referendum. However, his testimony during the 'procés' trial later clarified his position. He was acquitted by the Audiencia Nacional in the rebellion trial, where it became clear he did not collaborate with the referendum and had a plan to detain Puigdemont himself.
Despite his popularity after the 2017 terror attacks, his role was not universally praised within the interior ministry at the time. Some criticised the 'cage operation' designed to apprehend Younes Abouyaaqoub, which failed to prevent him from escaping Barcelona and fleeing to Penedès, where he was later shot. There were also internal criticisms, according to Nació Digital, about not fully assessing the scale of the explosion in Terres de l'Ebre, where the terrorists had planned a large-scale attack. Nevertheless, the bond between the Mossos and the public was exceptionally strong during those days.
Future Implications for Interior Ministry
Trapero, known for his communication skills and media presence, now effectively serves as vice-minister of Interior. While he is a respected figure, his move into a more political role brings increased scrutiny. The current demands for his dismissal highlight the challenges of balancing public perception with political responsibilities, especially in a highly charged environment like the ongoing teachers' protests. The government will need to decide how to address these calls and the broader implications for the Mossos d'Esquadra's public image.
