Terrassa, in the Barcelona area, was the setting for Salvador Illa’s latest defence of the Spanish government, as the PSC leader called for respect for the presumption of innocence amid corruption cases affecting the PSOE. Illa, who is president and first secretary of the Catalan Socialist Party, described the government as “excellent” and said socialists were “neither broken nor silenced”.
At the party event, Illa said: “We are not blind; we are not naive. We see what is happening.” He added that the party respects justice and also asks for the presumption of innocence. He said the PSC would remain firm with those who do not act according to its values and standards.
After a meeting of the PSC’s National Council, Illa urged members to reflect on what it means to be a socialist. He said it is not only about voting, joining the party, or leading it, but about sharing values and putting them into practice. He cited Ernest Lluch’s definition of socialism as bringing “the maximum freedom, equality, and fraternity” to society.
The PSC’s main body between congresses also approved the first 126 party candidacies for the coming municipal elections. Illa said the party should be proud of the government and of Pedro Sánchez, whom he described as “the voice of dignity”, and he pointed to record employment, the highest minimum wage, and pension revaluation as signs of progress. More Catalonia news
He also used a football World Cup analogy to predict a comfortable socialist win in future general elections, saying the party had the best players. The PSC has now activated its municipal campaign, with 126 candidates approved, including people currently in opposition and new aspirants. In nine small municipalities, including Vallgorguina, the socialists are standing candidates for the first time.
Looking ahead to Catalonia, Illa said the government had opened a new stage over the past two years, with more collaboration and less confrontation. He pointed to the return of major companies such as Criteria and Banc Sabadell, and mentioned work on a new funding model and the proposed expansion of El Prat airport. Candidates from Palamós, Sant Cugat and Terrassa also spoke at the event, where housing was one of the main themes.
