Isla returns to work promising to tackle the country's crises: "I know what Catalonia needs"

BarcelonaThe president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has returned to work. He was on sick leave for 30 days, during which time he was relieved of his duties while recovering from COVID-19. public osteomyelitis caused by a bacterium which led to her being admitted urgently to the ICU of the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in BarcelonaIn an official statement from the Gothic Gallery of the Palau de la Generalitat, the Catalan president expressed his gratitude to the medical team that treated him, as well as to the rest of the staff at the hospital: "Since my admission, these have been difficult days at times, but also enlightening and rewarding." Illa returns after a turbulent few weeks in Catalonia, marked by the commuter rail crisis, which the Catalan government has had to address with the Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau, at the helm, along with the Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque. This episode was compounded by the teachers' strike—awaiting a proposal from the Education Ministry—the management of the recent storm, and the doctors' strike called for this week. Isla, who has continued his recovery at home in recent weeks, said he has taken note: "I am fully aware of what Catalonia has experienced during the period in which I have had to delegate my duties. These have been difficult days for the country and for all its citizens," he stated. Parliament has targeted Councillor PanequeBut the Catalan government rules out making her resign or dividing the portfolios of her large ministry.

Faced with crises that are generating "unease" among citizens, Illa has promised "certainty," ambition, and rigor. The president maintains that he has a diagnosis of the roadmap to follow, with more resources for public services, investment in infrastructure, and measures to guarantee access to housing. "I know what Catalonia needs. I know what the Catalan people are demanding. I know what needs to be done. And today I tell you, again, that we will do it," he emphasized. Another challenge he faces is securing the necessary support to approve the Catalan government's budget. which the Government is determined to approve in the first quarterTalks with the Comuns continue, while the executive is also speaking with ERC to try to get them to agree to negotiate the budget.

In the statement, which he made after undergoing rehabilitation to regain strength in his legs, the president reiterated his defense of "humanity" in politics and the values ​​of freedom, solidarity, and fraternity as a response to the far right. "These days in the hospital I have witnessed the profound sense of humanity and solidarity that is lived and practiced," he emphasized. Isla is now walking without crutches, but has lost weight during his convalescence. He is still receiving intravenous antibiotics. Doctors anticipate that he will be able to switch to oral antibiotics as early as next week.

Against the "commodification" of well-being

In his speech, the former Minister of Health praised the public healthcare system, calling it "excellent" although it has "room for improvement." He also took the opportunity to speak out against privatizations, at a time when the Spanish government has launched an offensive against them. against Madrid's privately managed healthcare modelFollowing the Torrejón de Ardoz case, a new law was introduced to bar him from holding public office. He argued that the most valuable things in life, such as "family, friendship, and health," are priceless. "We cannot allow the commodification of our well-being or the human values ​​that underpin it," he added. Isla also sent a message of support to the Minister of Education, Esther Niubó, wishing her a speedy recovery after the medical procedure for which she is currently on leave. The president will gradually return to his duties, with events that, for the time being, will not require him to travel across the country. The first of these will be at the Palau de la Generalitat, and will focus on housing. Mid-morning, he will sign a collaboration agreement with the Archbishop of Tarragona, Joan Planellas, for the Church to cede properties to the Generalitat for use as social housing. It was an event that was left hanging when Isla had to take leave due to an illness that kept him hospitalized for two weeks. As explained by AHORA, The transfer of Church properties to create social housing is a path first explored by the Tarragona Commons with the Archdiocese, and which is now being exported to all of Catalonia.