Salvador Illa returns to office focusing on housing and budget negotiations

The Catalan President resumes his duties at Palau de la Generalitat after a month-long medical leave.

Generic image of the Gothic Gallery at the Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona.
IA

Generic image of the Gothic Gallery at the Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona.

President Salvador Illa returned to the Palau de la Generalitat this Monday following a thirty-day medical leave, ending a period marked by transport crises and severe weather events.

After recovering from pubic osteomyelitis, the Catalan leader delivered an institutional speech in the Gothic Gallery. Illa acknowledged the difficulties faced by the country during his absence, including the Gelida train accident and the impact of storms Harry and Nils.

"It is time to offer certainty. We all belong to the same community, society, and country."

Salvador Illa · President of the Generalitat
The President's immediate agenda focuses on social housing. Illa is set to sign an agreement with Archbishop Joan Planellas to repurpose church properties for affordable housing. This initiative is a key demand from Jéssica Albiach's party during the ongoing budget negotiations.
Regarding the Rodalies rail network, Illa promised a rigorous approach to ensure service quality. Meanwhile, the Government aims to finalize the budget with ERC and other partners, although the original March 31 deadline has been delayed due to recent emergencies.