Eluned Morgan: "We have 700,000 Welsh speakers and we want to reach one million by 2050."

BarcelonaWelsh First Minister Eluned Morgan (Cardiff, 1967) speaks to ARA during her visit to Catalonia this week to finalize a cooperation agreement. A member of the Labour Party, she is the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of this historic nation and faces elections in May.

What brought him to Catalonia?

— I am here to sign a memorandum of understanding with the GeneralitatWe have a long historical relationship with Catalonia. Many people from our country fought for it during the Civil War, and we share an interest in minority languages. We have an industrial past and are transitioning to a new, dynamic, modern economy. For me, the important thing is that this isn't just a piece of paper. Alongside the memorandum, there's an action plan with concrete measures.

In what areas?

— We are very interested in working together in the fields of technology, supercomputing, renewables, and semiconductor compounds. Every phone in the world contains a chip from Wales, and we can share this expertise. From Barcelona, ​​we can learn about life sciences and databases for developing new medicines.

Like Catalonia, you have your own language, Welsh. What is its state of health?

— Welsh is an official language in Wales. In the UK, we don't have an official language, nor does English, because there isn't a constitution as such. For a long time, the language was dying out. Now it's stabilized, and we have ambitions. There are about 700,000 Welsh speakers in a population of 3 million, and we want to reach 1 million by 2050. Many of our efforts right now are focused on encouraging more people to attend Welsh-language schools. Welsh is my mother tongue; I was educated in Welsh. We're seeing increased interest from people who want to send their children to Welsh-language schools. It's compulsory to learn the language even in schools where it's taught in English, but in Welsh-language schools, all instruction is in Welsh. It's the option chosen by 23% of students at the moment.

Have you discussed any language-related issues with the Catalan authorities?

— We've talked about how our languages need to adapt to new technologies in a world where AI will shape the future, and how this can offer them new opportunities. We're already working on this at universities and with some of the leading technology companies. They're doing the same in Catalonia. And one of the things we discussed today is the importance of not only translating, but also understanding the cultural nuances and differences that accompany language.

According to the surveys, In Wales, the pro-independence sentiment is growing.What do you think?

— Polls are very volatile, and we have elections in May. The Welsh Labour Party has been in government since our Parliament was established 26 years ago. When you're in power for that long, you have a lot to defend.

How is the election date still going?

— It's fair to say that the Labour Party, currently in government in the UK, isn't very popular, and this may be affecting our popularity. Consequently, I'm not sure if people are actively choosing the nationalist party. or if they are thinking of blocking the force further to the rightReform UK [taking into account the electoral system]. We have time to listen and show them that we are an experienced party that is, in turn, opening the door for new generations to do new things. After the initial phases of establishing self-government [Welsh devolution], we are entering a phase that gives us the opportunity to grow, to move from being a post-industrial land to a technological and modern land, powered by clean energy.

What should democratic and left-wing governments do to fight the far right?

— The first thing to say is that it's important to fight, and to understand why people are upset. It's our responsibility as politicians. Part of it has to do with the difficulty of living these days: life is expensive, energy is expensive, housing is expensive. We must offer solutions so that voters aren't drawn to the far right, which promotes a politics of anger, not hope, and wants to divide communities. I'm interested in a politics of hope.

ANDDoes the process offer any lessons for Wales?

— We can learn lessons from everywhere. It's been interesting to see how things have changed in Catalonia in recent years and how the attempt to force independence has receded slightly. I also think Catalonia is in a very different position. Economically, it's very strong compared to the rest of Spain, and this isn't the position of Wales. It would be almost impossible for us to sustain ourselves economically without causing great hardship for the people of my country.

ANDIs an independence referendum possible for Wales? How was it in Scotland?

— Even the nationalists, Plaid Cymru, have said they will not hold a referendum in the next four or five years.

Do you agree with the current arrangement of Wales within the United Kingdom?

— We must ensure we use the powers we have well, but sometimes we need more tools to better serve the people. We have been clear with the UK about what these tools are, and we will not back down. We will not change our minds simply because there is a Labour government in Westminster.

She was a Member of the European Parliament for many years. What are her thoughts on Brexit?

— It devastated me. I'm a proud Eurosympathizer. I deeply regret that the UK voted to leave, but also that my own country, Wales, which had benefited enormously from EU funds, did so. At that time, there was a confluence of events: there was a huge exodus of people from Syria, and the issue of migration became very prominent. Some people felt a disconnect, particularly traditional Labour voters. I think many of them now regret that. We have paid a very high price.

Is there any possibility that you, as Prime Minister, will ask Westminster to propose the UK's return to the EU?

— We must accept the referendum results. It wasn't that long ago. We must try to establish a much closer relationship with the EU, and this is my wish.

I would like to ask you one last question about Venezuela and the United States. What should the United Kingdom's position be in this geopolitical conflict?

— Governments must respect the rule of law internationally. The situation in Venezuela is unacceptable, and I believe that without clarity, it will be difficult to take a firm stance on Greenland, which is a more immediate problem for Europe. An incursion into Greenland would mean the end of NATO. The implications of this are enormous.