Junts per Catalunya Reshapes Leadership Ahead of Puigdemont's Anticipated Return

Junts per Catalunya has undertaken a major reshuffle of its leadership to better position the party for the potential return of former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont. At a meeting held in Waterloo, Belgium, the party's executive leadership unanimously approved several key appointments. Salvador Vergés, a Girona deputy with strong ties to local mayors and municipal leaders, was named the new spokesperson in the Catalan Parliament, replacing Albert Batet. Batet, in turn, takes on a newly created role as deputy to the presidency. Meanwhile, Mònica Sales, who previously held the spokesperson position, will now preside over the parliamentary group.

This restructuring follows a recent legal recommendation from the European Union's legal advisor supporting the amnesty law for those involved in judicial proceedings related to the Catalan independence process (procés). Junts highlighted that this legal backing makes Puigdemont's return to Catalonia plausible, driving the need to strengthen the party's organizational structure to face upcoming political challenges effectively.

The leadership changes demonstrate a strategic effort within Junts to bolster its internal cohesion and parliamentary leadership ahead of a politically sensitive period for Catalonia. The party is preparing to navigate new phases in the independence movement, using these appointments to empower key figures capable of leading the party both in the parliament and within its executive.