Catalonia’s Socialist president: tackling inequality can blunt separatist and far-right voices

In an interview, Salvador Illa tells of pragmatic approach' as he seeks to persuade voters about benefits of coexistence with Madrid

Catalonia's Socialist president has said his party's focus on tackling inequality can win over voters who are tempted by pro-independence and far-right voices as he seeks to persuade Catalans of the benefits of coexistence with the central government in Madrid after years of turmoil.

Salvador Illa, a close ally of Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has been in the post since August 2024 and leads the first Catalan parliament in 44 years without a pro-independence majority.