Council Declares Vacancy, Names Successor
The Ajuntament de Tarragona held an extraordinary plenary session one month after the death of Junts councillor Pep Manresa, formally declaring the seat vacant and initiating procedures for his replacement. Enric Batista Solanes will assume the role, pending formal appointment at the ordinary session on 18 September. Batista, who ran as number four on Junts’ 2023 municipal list led by Jordi Sendra, has worked for 34 years as a Mossos d'Esquadra officer, reaching the rank of corporal and serving in community policing in Tarragona. He is also vice-president and board member of Club Gimnàstic and led the Catalan Gypsy Association from 2021 to 2025.
Tributes Highlight Manresa’s Character
Councillors across party lines paid tribute to Manresa’s warmth and dedication. Mayor Rubén Viñuales, visibly moved, recalled visiting Manresa in hospital shortly before his death. He said Manresa’s final request was for a community space for residents of Verge del Carme.
"Let’s remember the people,"
said Jordi Collado, spokesperson for En Comú Podem, reflecting on their respectful political disagreements. Maria Roig, deputy spokesperson for ERC, noted: "With Pep, we could disagree but never argue," praising his approachable nature. PP spokesperson Maria Mercè Martorell read messages from her group’s members, all highlighting Manresa’s kindness, vitality and sense of humour. Jordi Sendra, Junts spokesperson and personal friend, spoke last. He emphasised Manresa’s deep affection for Tarragona and expressed gratitude for the widespread condolences received. He acknowledged the ongoing difficulty of the grieving process.
Political Context
Manresa’s passing reduces Junts’ council representation to two members, matching En Comú Podem. The shift follows recent changes, including Elvira Vidal’s departure from Junts due to internal disagreements, making her a non-attached councillor. This brings the number of unaffiliated councillors to three.
Reported by tarragonaradio.cat, tarragonadigital.com, diarimes.com, reusdigital.cat, laciutat.cat, Tarragona Ràdio.
