Pro-independence activist Muriel Casals posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of the Generalitat

Barcelona (CNA).- Muriel Casals, one of the Catalan pro-independence movement’s central figures, who died last February, was recognised this Thursday with the Gold Medal of the Generalitat. The award is the highest prize given to those individuals or institutions whose work in the political, social, economic, cultural or scientific field has been outstanding. “Muriel leaves a space which will be really difficult to fill” stated Catalan President, Carles Puigdemont, during the ceremony held this Thursday. Puigdemont also reiterated Casals’ commitment to the pro-independence spirit, which she “represented like no one else ever did”. Casals presided at the head of the civil association promoting Catalan language and culture Òmnium Cultural and was one of the main figures responsible for the massive pro-independence rallies which have taken to the streets of Barcelona for the past six years. In 2015, she joined pro-independence cross-party list 'Junts Pel Sí' and ran for the 27-S Catalan Elections.

The concession decree of the Gold Medal of the Government of Catalonia emphasised Casals’ “promotion of the Catalan language and culture” and her efforts to unite “politics and civil society, as well as find the common points amongst the different Catalan sensibilities in order to reinforce the current political process”.

During the ceremony, Puigdemont stated that not only Casals’ family and friends will miss her but also the Government and the President himself. “[Former Catalan President] Artur Mas said that Muriel was the best of all of us, and she continues to be”, stated Puigdemont. “Today, with this award, we solemnly say so to the eyes of the world. Thank you so much, Muriel”, he added.

A very emotional ceremony

After projecting a video which reproduced key moment of Casals’ life and work, Puigdemont handed over the Gold Medal to Casals’ daughter, Laia Gasch and her grandson, Max Ros. Gasch shared the prize with the three presidents of Òmnium Cultural who joined her, Jordi Porta, Quim Torra and Jordi Cuixart, and dedicated it to three groups: youngsters, artists and entrepreneurs.

“At the doors of Catalonia’s National Day and the proclamation of the Catalan Republic, Muriel’s example shall remind us that there is no other way to achieve a  better country than working, also for the youngsters’ future and that of the artists which make this seed germinate”, she said. “Muriel showed us the way and leaves us her light, clear and white”, she added.

Former Catalan Minister for Economy, Andreu Mas-Colell, also praised Casals’ figure and the ceremony was attended by many current and former members of the Catalan Government.  Representatives from cultural, economic and civil society also attended the event.