Call for ceasefire and unity: Illa's plea for peace and Catalan identity

Thursday 24 April 2025 - 16:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Call for ceasefire and unity: Illa's plea for peace and Catalan identity

In his institutional address on Sant Jordi's Day, Catalan President Salvador Illa emphasized the importance of dialogue, understanding, and fraternity, calling for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Ukraine. In his first speech on April 23 as president, Illa appealed to the international community to end the ongoing suffering in Gaza and Ukrainian cities, stressing the need for a ceasefire to stop the tragedies affecting both Palestinian and Ukrainian populations.

Illa also highlighted the significance of Sant Jordi's Day, describing it as a celebration of love, human values, and the culture of Catalonia and Europe. In his speech, he rejected the ideologies of the far-right, expressing that "there is no more revolutionary gesture against hatred than offering a rose," underscoring the cultural and democratic values that define the region.

Addressing the geopolitical challenges, Illa acknowledged that Catalonia is undergoing deep changes but remains strong, with a growing economy, vibrant social life, and a dynamic cultural scene. He also emphasized the ongoing efforts to defend and promote the Catalan language, both within the region and in European institutions, reaffirming his government's commitment to its continued use.

On the passing of Pope Francis, Illa expressed condolences, recalling the moral leadership the late pope had provided beyond religious boundaries. He also mentioned the Pacto Nacional por la Lengua (National Pact for the Language), with the aim of reinforcing Catalan as a language of prosperity and integration. While the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSC) and other coalition members supported the pact, opposition parties like Junts and the CUP raised concerns over the government's commitment to Catalan, especially with a potential court ruling mandating 25% of Spanish instruction in schools.