Perpignan is once again 'la Catalane'

The Northern Catalonia city of Perpignan, in southern France, has recovered its 'la Catalane' and 'Perpinyà' signs.

The removal of 'la Catalane' below the city limit sign of 'Perpignan' as well as of 'Perpinyà', in Catalan, almost two weeks ago sparked controversy amongst locals, with Oui au Pays Catalan and Unitat Catalana political parties accusing far-right mayor Louis Aliot of attempting to "erase" their Catalan identity. 

The Perpignan council, in turn, first attributed their disappearance to theft, and then cited maintenance work. 

'Perpignan, the radiant'

Although 'la Catalane' and 'Perpinyà' are back, as Ràdio Arrels and el Punt Avui have reported, Catalan culture associations and parties in the area remain skeptical of Aliot's intentions. 

The far-right politician angered them months ago after changing the city's motto from 'Perpignan, la Catalane' to 'Perpignan, the radiant'. 

And while the 'la Catalane' signs have returned, the Perpignan council still refers to the city as 'la rayonnante'.