Mossos d'Esquadra to be given authority in Catalan ports and airports in 2025

President Salvador Illa will convene a Security Meeting in early 2025 so that the Catalan police, known as the Mossos d'Esquadra, can assume authority in ports and airports.

As things are, only Spanish police, coordinated from Madrid, have authority over ports and airports across the country. 

Illa made the announcement on Wednesday morning speaking in parliament, asuring that the move is a continuity of the work of the previous Catalan government, led by pro-independence Esquerra Republicana.

The Catalan president also defended his decision to integrate the Guardia Civil and the National Police into the 112 emergency services number as it improves "collaboration" between security forces. 

Illa made this announcement during an appearance in parliament to explain the agreements reached at the last Security Meeting.

He pledged to "provide the Mossos with everything they need" and specified that this includes both having more powers to "fully develop their comprehensive police work," as well as having more financial resources, more personnel, and more material.

The president has not specified what functions the Mossos could take on in ports and airports, or what the government's proposal would be at the Security Meeting to arrange the move, which he wants to hold in early 2025.

Breaking the "crime curve"

Another priority for this legislature outlined by the president will be to "break the crime curve."

According to him, 2023 saw the highest levels of crime recorded in the last 15 years.

After the pandemic, there has been an increase in violent street robberies, cyber scams, and reports of sexual assault.

The president defended the need for good security policies to ensure that the protection of citizens is not "a privilege only for those who can afford it."