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Junts demands major overhaul of Catalan government after cabinet changes

Junts criticizes President Illa's cabinet reshuffle, demanding deeper reforms amid ongoing governance issues.

Jordi Cubarsi Jordi Cubarsi · July 21, 2026, 12:55 · 3 min de lectura

The opposition party Junts has criticized the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Salvador Illa, calling for a comprehensive reform. They highlight ongoing issues with several reprobated ministers.

In a bold statement following the unexpected announcement of changes in the Catalan government, the opposition party Junts has declared that the adjustments made by President Salvador Illa are insufficient. The appointment of Raúl Moreno as the new Minister of Social Rights is viewed as merely a superficial fix rather than a substantial change.

Junts, which holds significant influence as the leading opposition force, expressed its dissatisfaction during a press conference on Monday. The party’s spokesperson, Salvador Vergés, emphasized that more profound reforms are necessary to address ongoing governance issues. He pointed out that three current ministers have been symbolically disapproved by the parliament and should resign: Sílvia Paneque (Territory), Núria Parlon (Interior), and Esther Niubó (Education).

The criticism extends beyond mere personnel changes. Vergés highlighted concerns regarding Mònica Martínez Bravo’s recent departure from her role as Minister of Social Rights. He noted that this marks an unprecedented situation where a minister splits her time between Barcelona and Madrid, raising questions about her commitment to serving Catalonia effectively.

“Being a minister is not comparable to being an executive; it requires constant engagement with people and various sectors,”

Vergés stated. His remarks reflect broader frustrations within Junts regarding the perceived lack of accessibility and accountability among government officials.

Recent analysis presented by Vergés revealed alarming statistics about Martínez Bravo’s availability over the past year. Out of 47 Fridays deemed workdays, she only had institutional engagements on eight occasions. Saturdays saw just four events, while Sundays had only two instances of official activity.

This pattern raises significant concerns about ministerial responsibilities and public service dedication in Catalonia. Vergés underscored that these figures “speak volumes” about the former minister’s unavailability and commitment to her role.

The call for deeper reform comes at a time when public trust in governmental institutions is crucial for effective governance. Historical precedents show that similar calls for reform have often led to significant political shifts in Catalonia’s governance structure.

As Junts continues to push for comprehensive changes within Illa’s cabinet, it remains to be seen how these demands will be addressed moving forward. The political landscape in Catalonia is poised for potential upheaval if further actions are not taken soon.

Catalans interested in following these developments can stay updated through local news outlets or attend upcoming parliamentary sessions where these issues will likely be discussed further.

Jordi Cubarsi
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Jordi Cubarsi

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