Justice Minister Speaks on Judicial Reform
Justice Minister Montserrat Tura has stated that civil rights in Catalonia, including the right to use Catalan in legal proceedings, are being systematically violated in multiple areas of the justice system. Speaking in an interview published on 8 October 2026 by viumolinsderei.com, Tura emphasized that linguistic rights form a key part of citizens' recognised entitlements under Catalonia’s legal framework.
The citizen must be the centre of the entire organisation, which also means they have a clear right to speak in Catalan.
Tura, who has led the Department of Justice for nearly two years, confirmed that Catalonia is the only autonomous community in Spain with full powers over its penitentiary system. She described governing as often difficult and demanding, but necessary to advance Catalonia’s self-governance.
Barriers to Language Access
Despite legal recognition, Tura acknowledged that the right to use Catalan in court is frequently undermined. Some judges lack proficiency in the language, and while translation support is being organised to ensure understanding, the system remains imperfect. The administration is working to ensure that translation services are always available when needed. A further challenge lies in legal professionals’ attitudes. Tura noted that some lawyers still advise clients to use Spanish, fearing negative consequences for using Catalan. The government is undertaking educational outreach to counter this perception and guarantee that language choice does not affect case outcomes.
Judicial Transparency and Reform
Tura stressed the need for greater transparency and efficiency in the public justice service, which she said continues to face institutional resistance. Reforms are underway in selected judicial districts, which she believes could serve as models for judicial modernisation across Spain. She criticised interpretations of judicial independence that extend beyond the act of judging to encompass broader administrative functions, arguing this conflicts with the Generalitat’s goal of making justice more accessible and citizen-centred. On the Constitutional Court, Tura said it must act as an impartial guardian of fundamental rights and regain the prestige it held in early democratic legislatures. She called for the renewal of judicial bodies like the General Council of the Judiciary to prevent politicisation and restore legitimacy.
Financing and National Complexity
Regarding Catalonia’s long-standing demand for fairer financing, Tura reiterated that Spain’s complex linguistic, legislative and competential structure requires recognition of regional differences. She argued that only by acknowledging these distinctions can Spain remain a modern, sustainable state. The current financing agreement remains unresolved, and the government continues to press for reforms that reflect demographic shifts, urban concentration and poverty levels.
Reported by viumolinsderei.com, iceta.org, onallibres.cat.
