President Pere Aragonès of the Generalitat has proposed holding a three-way electoral debate in southern France. Aragonès has suggested facing off against PSC candidate Salvador Illa and Junts+Puigdemont per Catalunya candidate Carles Puigdemont in this debate, and is open to hosting the event “outside of Catalonia” to avoid the possibility of Puigdemont being arrested if he enters Spain. Aragonès stated in an interview with Rac1 that if Puigdemont wants to hold the debate in Perpignan, Waterloo, or elsewhere, he is willing to do so.
Aragonès believes that a future debate between the PSC, Junts, and ERC candidates would be an opportunity to discuss the future proposals for Catalonia and how each party believes they can best serve the people of Catalonia. He also mentioned that if Illa is not willing to travel outside of Catalonia, he would be willing to have a one-on-one debate with Puigdemont, travelling wherever necessary, in a cordial manner while presenting their respective proposals and ideas. Aragonès emphasized that he has no issue with this arrangement, and would gladly participate if everyone agrees.
The proposal for the electoral debate comes at a crucial time for Catalonia as the region prepares for upcoming elections. Aragonès’ willingness to engage in this debate reflects his commitment to transparency and open dialogue with his political opponents. By suggesting a debate outside of Catalonia to accommodate Puigdemont’s situation, Aragonès is demonstrating a sense of flexibility and a willingness to engage in a productive exchange of ideas with his rivals.
The idea of the debate in France has raised questions about the logistics and feasibility of such an event, including issues related to travel, venue, and organization. The potential location of the debate in Perpignan or other cities outside of Spain adds a unique element to the electoral process, highlighting the complexity of the political landscape in Catalonia. Despite these logistical challenges, Aragonès remains determined to make the debate a reality, underscoring the importance of dialogue and communication in the democratic process.
Overall, Aragonès’ proposal for an electoral debate in France with Illa and Puigdemont signifies a significant step towards promoting democratic engagement and public discourse in Catalonia. By proposing to engage in a debate with his political rivals and accepting the possibility of hosting the event outside of Catalonia, Aragonès is demonstrating a commitment to fostering political dialogue and encouraging transparency in the electoral process. This initiative reflects Aragonès’ willingness to engage in open and meaningful discussions with his opponents, highlighting his dedication to democratic principles and his vision for the future of Catalonia. Ultimately, the proposed debate has the potential to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, the clarification of positions, and the promotion of informed decision-making among the voters of Catalonia.
