Junts to launch parliamentary inquiry into DGAIA crisis over 'Catalan Pelicot' case

Thursday 15 May 2025 - 15:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Junts to launch parliamentary inquiry into DGAIA crisis over 'Catalan Pelicot' case

Junts has announced the launch of a parliamentary inquiry into the deepening crisis within Catalonia’s Department of Social Rights, specifically concerning the Directorate General for Child and Adolescent Care (DGAIA). The move follows serious allegations that a 12-year-old girl under state protection was sexually abused by a network of pedophiles—a case now referred to by Junts as the 'Catalan Pelicot'.

The party emphasized its intention to fully investigate all aspects of what they call DGAIA’s ongoing mismanagement. In addition to the 'Catalan Pelicot' case, Junts pointed out that the agency is already under scrutiny by the Anti-Fraud Office for its financial handling of benefits to former foster youths, and by the Audit Office for serious irregularities in contracting and subsidies.

Back in April, Junts successfully pushed for the appearance of Mònica Martínez Bravo, the Minister of Social Rights and Inclusion, before Parliament to address the situation. The parliamentary group also secured the approval for testimonies from the former director and deputy director of DGAIA, both dismissed in March, to clarify their roles and reasons for their removal before the Commission on Social Rights and Inclusion.

Furthermore, Junts had previously requested the appearance of Ricard Calvo, a former DGAIA director; Chakir El Homrani, former Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Families; and former secretaries general Josep Ginesta and Oriol Amorós. These individuals were expected to explain the public contracting and awarding of care services for minors, yet none have appeared so far.

Serious Oversight Recognized by National Authorities

Sira Rego, Minister of Youth and Childhood, described the case as a “serious oversight” and advocated for structural reforms to prevent similar incidents. She confirmed that her ministry is coordinating with both the Catalan Government and the national delegation, and expressed confidence in ongoing police and judicial investigations. Rego also mentioned the ministry's efforts to establish a royal decree for minimum standards in the child protection system.

Catalan Government Opens Internal Review

On Tuesday, the Generalitat de Catalunya launched an internal inquiry to examine its handling of the case. In response, Minister Martínez Bravo formally requested to appear before Parliament to share preliminary findings and demonstrate transparency.

She is expected to outline all actions taken by the department after discovering the alleged child abuse and prostitution ring. The case, initially reported by the victim in 2021, is currently under investigation and involves multiple minors.

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