The infiltration of plainclothes officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra into a teachers' assembly, where future strikes were being planned, has ignited a major controversy and angered the teaching community. Police sources acknowledge that such operations are uncommon, particularly within non-violent union meetings or social movements in recent years.
The situation has prompted opposition parties to demand the dismissal of Josep Lluís Trapero as police director. The Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, has attempted to manage the crisis by reaffirming her confidence in Trapero, apologizing for the incident, and announcing an internal investigation. Despite the secrecy surrounding the operation, consulted sources maintain that no illegal actions were taken, although union complaints have already been filed.
The General Information Division of the Mossos, which specializes in crime prevention and intelligence gathering on issues like jihadism, white supremacy, and anarchism, has become central to the debate. Sources within the force indicate that, especially since the 15-M movement and the 1-O referendum, efforts have been made to internally organize this division and better define the limits of its operations, including infiltrations.
2017 was a pivotal year for the internal restructuring of the information service, involving a reassessment of intelligence-gathering techniques following cases of national police infiltration into Catalan independence movements. While constant infiltrations into assemblies have never been common, clearer frameworks were established for these practices, which some consider "outdated" given the rise of open sources like social media.
Active surveillance has been limited to potentially volatile environments to plan operational resources, particularly during anti-establishment demonstrations. Internal critics argue that infiltrating the teachers' assembly was illogical, as unions typically have clear spokespersons and publicize their actions. Former Mossos chief Eduard Sallent has criticized the operation, citing a potential lack of planning and the risk of eroding public trust.
Minister Parlon has announced a review of the decree governing the Mossos to better define information-gathering methods. This crisis emerges at a sensitive time, with the ministry already under scrutiny for the pilot program of plainclothes police in schools. Furthermore, the retirement of the current chief commissioner, Miquel Esquius, is anticipated, potentially leading to a new leadership and significant changes within the police force.
