Catalonia's Interior Minister, Núria Parlon, apologised on Wednesday for the "human and operational error" of two Mossos d'Esquadra officers infiltrating an education assembly. Speaking at the Parliament's Interior Committee, Parlon described the incident as a "well-intentioned but unfortunate and poorly planned manoeuvre", admitting that "unnecessary risks" were taken.
The minister confirmed that a reserved information procedure would be activated to analyse the case and assured that there would be "more supervision" for future operations. "We need to strengthen trust between social activism and the Mossos," Parlon stated.
Josep Lluís Trapero, the Director General of the Police, also acknowledged the "error" and "lack of opportunity" in the action. However, he denied any "bad faith" on the part of the police force.
Apology to Unions and New Protocols
Parlon specifically apologised to the CGT union for the "distrust and insecurity" caused by the infiltration. She clarified that it was "not a political decision, but a poorly planned manoeuvre with an assumption of unnecessary risks." The minister also extended an olive branch to other education unions.
She stressed the need for "all necessary precautions" to protect the work of the Mossos going forward. Parlon reiterated that officers must carry out their duties in a "protocolised and appropriate" manner, with "supervision from their hierarchical superiors and prior authorisation."
The minister emphasised the importance of "better defining" the frameworks for police intervention, their practices, and their "limitations," alongside reinforcing supervision of all operations.
Reserved Information Procedure Launched
Parlon has tasked Trapero with formally reviewing the procedure carried out by the General Information Directorate concerning the teachers' assembly, which took place before the 12 May strike. A reserved information procedure will be opened to clarify the facts and determine if there are grounds for disciplinary action.
"We need to strengthen trust between social activism and the Mossos," Parlon added, dedicating part of her speech to urging that the trust of social movements, unions, and citizens in the police "never" be broken. The socialist leader defended the force, insisting that it should not be implied that the Mossos act unprofessionally. "Sometimes mistakes are made, which is the case here," she reiterated, noting there is "room for improvement" in how the operation was executed.
Trapero Denies Malice
Trapero acknowledged the "error in the lack of opportunity" of the police action but rejected any "bad faith" or "anti-democratic attitude." He stated that the action had "nothing to do" with the Department of Education or teachers' demands, placing it "strictly within the operational decision-making scope of the Mossos d'Esquadra."
He explained that it was an operational action to gather information within the General Information Commissariat. The aim was to "anticipate scenarios that could affect citizens" and assess "threats and risks in certain mobilisations and conflicts" to help plan police deployments. Trapero maintained that this information gathering does not aim to "investigate, much less criminalise or spy," or "limit the exercise of rights," but rather to guarantee those rights and protect participants and other citizens during potential demonstrations.
He clarified that such actions are "neither widespread nor carried out indiscriminately." "You can dwell on the ill-timing of a specific action, which we accept, but I assure you there was no other purpose than what I am explaining," he stressed. Trapero confirmed the reserved information procedure is underway to analyse the action. He also pledged to "introduce filters" for greater supervision by commanders, especially for practices that might conflict with other rights. Mediation tasks will also be reinforced "as a way of obtaining information in risk assessment."
Recognition for Teachers
Trapero concluded by expressing "maximum recognition for the teaching community," recalling his consistent defence of "teachers, doctors, and police." He affirmed his "total respect and recognition" while also defending "without reservation the professionalism, rigour, and good work of the Mossos d'Esquadra."
Parlon and Trapero appeared before the Parliament's Interior and Public Security Committee on Wednesday to explain the infiltration. The appearances were requested by Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya and Catalunya en Comú, while Junts per Catalunya also called for the Education Minister, Esther Niubó, to appear. Separately, an association of lawyers from the Osona region filed a complaint on Tuesday regarding the police infiltration, arguing that fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly, trade union freedom, and the right to strike may have been violated.
