Member of Congress Rufián: “We want Minister Illa’s opinion on the intention of holding elections in the midst of the worst wave of the worst pandemic in decades”

Esquerra, together with left-wing CUP, requested on Thursday the appearance of Minister Salvador Illa before the Spanish Congress’ Health Commission in order to explain whether or not he considers elections should be held in Catalonia on 14 February, in the middle of the third wave of Covid-19, and what the expected health impact would be.

“We want Minister Illa’s opinion on the intention of holding elections in the midst of the worst wave of the worst pandemic in decades,” said Esquerra’s spokesman in Madrid, Gabriel Rufián. “It seems that candidate Illa disagrees with Health Minister Illa,” he added. Mr Illa will be heading the Socialist party ticket in the elections.

The Minister of Health avoided commenting on whether or not it was recommendable to hold elections in February, and has not given any explanations as to whether the country’s health situation espouses postponing the elections, as was agreed by the Catalan parliamentary parties. This position contrasts with what the minister maintained before the postponement of the elections in the Basque Country and Galicia, which he supported.

Since Congress is not in session in January, the Esquerra parliamentary group has submitted a request for the Permanent Deputation of the Lower House to convene the Health and Consumer Commission for the Minister to give opportune explanations.