Illa promotes the relocation of Indra and Telefónica to Catalonia

The government of Salvador Illa aims to have major strategic companies based in Madrid, such as Indra and Telefónica, move their headquarters to Catalonia. The operation, still unconfirmed officially, is framed within the National Pact for Industry and coincides with the end of Pedro Sánchez's legislature.

The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has intensified contacts in recent weeks to encourage several strategic companies to relocate their headquarters to Catalonia. Among the top priorities are Indra and Telefónica, two companies currently based in Madrid that would be a significant trophy for the Catalan government. According to ABC, working documents regarding a potential relocation are already circulating at Indra, although official sources have denied this.

The operation is part of the National Pact for Industry (PNI), an initiative designed with the president of Fomento del Trabajo, Josep Sánchez Llibre, and agreed upon with social agents. The plan includes an investment of €4.5 billion by 2030 to reindustrialise Catalonia and reduce the weight of the services sector. Illa is thus seeking a headline to demonstrate to his supporters that backing Pedro Sánchez in Madrid has not been without its rewards.

The political context adds urgency. The end of Sánchez's legislature and the possibility that the 'parasitic technique' may come to an end push Illa to close a major corporate operation as soon as possible. Sector sources indicate that the departure of Indra and Telefónica to Barcelona, alongside the return of some companies that fled in 2017 due to the illegal referendum, would confirm a luxury menu for Catalan nationalism.

In Telefónica, the situation is less clear, but the rapid sale of its historic headquarters on Gran Vía is seen as a preliminary step to 'weigh anchor' and sever ties with Madrid after more than a century. The company, chaired by Marc Murtra, has not confirmed any movements, but the property transactions are fueling speculation.

The Minister of Industry, Jordi Hereu, is working in parallel to maintain China's interests in the Catalan industrial framework. His goal is to implement the Industrial Acceleration Law of the European Commission in a way that does not exclude the Asian giant, paying special attention to corporations like Huawei, which has ties with Telefónica's business. Hereu argues that contractual relationships with countries supplying critical raw materials, such as rare earths or photovoltaic panels, must be preserved.

"Money makes the world go round"

Brussels' stance is different: President Ursula von der Leyen has designed regulations to prioritise European preference and eliminate unreliable partners, among which China holds a prominent place. The clash between these two visions is currently taking place in community offices.

Meanwhile, Illa is preparing a triumphant narrative to present to the 'prodigal sons' returning home. The operation, if realised, would have a direct impact on the job market and the business fabric of Catalonia, although the timelines and final conditions remain unspecified. The Catalan government has not set dates for possible announcements.