Breakthrough in constituent process plans expected for next summer

The Catalan government’s latest effort to launch a constituent process will see a breakthrough next summer, when citizens are expected to start gathering at the local level to discuss their hopes for the future of Catalonia.  

The project, promoted by pro-independence parties, hopes to creguate an assembly encompassing more than 1,000 citizens by mid-2020, which will then deliberate on the topics previously discussed by local groups. The assembly will be charged with drafting the guidelines a of a new constitution. The final document will, in turn, be submitted to the Catalan parliament for political consideration.

Unionist parties have criticized the project, claiming it serves pro-independence parties’ interests and undermines the legitimacy of Catalan institutions.

After Madrid suspended Catalonia’s self-rule following a declaration of independence back in 2017, any efforts to separate from Spain are likely to be contested by the central government.

The Catalan government appointed Lluís Llach, a renowned songwriter and former pro-independence MP, as the president of the advisory body that is currently leading the process.

Llach: "This country is demanding a constituent process"

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Llach stressed that this project appeals to all Catalan citizens regardless of their political preferences—including the independence bid.

"For six or seven years, this country is demanding a constituent process. All polls say it: monarchy or republic, independence or a federation, a confederation… this forum and this debate can serve us to know where we’re standing," said Llach.