Quim Torra, elected 131st President of Catalonia

Torra also called for self-reflection by parties on both sides in Catalonia. “Pro-independence politicians should have no problem in recognizing that we have not done some things right” he said. “But also those in favor of Catalonia being an autonomous community [within Spain] should do so: prison, exile, the persecution of citizens for their ideas, the criminalization of civil and political rights are not acceptable.”

Recovering laws suspended by Constitutional Court

In his presidential speech, Torra said that one of his priorities as head of government will be to again put forth 16 laws suspended by Spain’s Constitutional Court, such as those against climate change, energy poverty, and ensuring gender equality.

“Some of these laws were approved by unanimity, even with the support of [the Catalan branch of Spain’s ruling] People’s Party, which was not enough to prevent the Spanish government from running over them like a bulldozer and suspending them” said Torra.

Raise minimum salary

In the field of economics, Torra promised to set the minimum salary at 1,110 euros a month and boost government business offices abroad to help the internationalization of Catalan companies and attract more foreign investment, among other measures. “Industry 4.0 and a circular economy are key to the future development of our economy,” he said.

“Reverse the damage of Article 155”

Torra also referred to Article 155, the constitutional device triggered by the Spanish government last October to suspend self-rule in Catalonia, following a declaration of independence. “I want to thank all civil servants of the Catalan government who, in recent months, have had to fight against the negative effects of Article 155,” said Torra, emphasizing that one of his priorities will be to “immediately reverse the damage” caused by Madrid’s direct rule in Catalonia’s own police body, the Mossos d’Esquadra.