Minister of Equality and Feminism, Eva Menor Cantador, emphasized that the memory of Lluís Companys “should help us understand that freedom is never fully guaranteed, that rights cannot be taken for granted, and that silence in the face of hatred is never a sufficient response". She stated this during the event commemorating the 86th anniversary of his execution, jointly organized by the Generalitat, the Tornabous Town Council, the Provincial Council of Lleida, and the Urgell Regional Council, held at the Espai Lluís Companys in El Tarròs.
Menor highlighted that democratic memory “does not consist solely of looking to the past, but of understanding it, explaining it rigorously, and transmitting it to new generations". "A democracy that knows its past is better prepared to defend its future", she remarked, stressing the importance of dialogue and respect for expressing and resolving differences.
For her part, Government Delegate Núria Gil called to “defend the values for which President Companys fought, was persecuted, and assassinated”. She warned that “democracy, rights and freedoms, social justice, human dignity, and institutions” are not irreversible and must be actively protected.
Gil referred to the current “moments of uncertainty”, marked by the rise of “populism and polarization” in Europe and worldwide, which use fear and frustration as tools for confrontation. She advocated for confronting discourses that target minorities, seek easy scapegoats, or present institutions as obstacles.
The event concluded with a floral offering at the Monument to the Martyr President and the performance of the National Anthem of Catalonia by the Quartet Prysma. Also in attendance were the Director General of Democratic Memory, Jordi Font, as well as political representatives and mayors from the Lleida region.
