In an interview with Efe, the number two of the Generalitat and direct interlocutor of the Spanish executive within the framework of the process of open dialogue between the two executives highlighted the progress made at this negotiating table, but specified that the ERC’s objective is to now address the referendum file.

“The independence process is not dead,” Vilagrà said, responding to Sánchez’s remarks a few weeks ago. “There were two files: the first, that of diversion, which for us still has a long way to go. And then that of self-determination, so that in Catalonia we can decide our political future,” he explained.

If the minister celebrated the “results” obtained in the diversion – such as pardons, the repeal of the crime of sedition or the reform of embezzlement – ​​she considered that this path should lead to a definitive “amnesty”.

But the Generalitat’s plan for 2023 involves, above all, exploring the possibility of agreeing to a referendum: President Pere Aragonès’ roadmap, following the Canadian path, pledges to articulate an agreement of clarity this year, which would take place after an internal debate in Catalonia and the sum of alliances with political, economic, trade union and social actors.

Once this Catalan proposal has been articulated – which would set the conditions for this referendum – it would be transferred to negotiation with the State, to then agree on the hypothetical consultation.

The Minister said he was convinced that, despite the fact that the positions are “distant”, the two governments will be able to “work” on this file and allow this consultation.

“We know it is complex and the road will not be easy, but we are absolutely convinced that this is the line to end the political conflict. Without the vote of the citizens of Catalonia, the political conflict will not end,” he stressed.

Vilagrà, one of the main cogs in the dialogue table and in direct dialogue with the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, avoided giving details of the discreet contacts between executives, but implied that the Spanish government “knows” that ERC wants to “work on this issue” and that “with the independence movement, there is still a lot of homework to do”, including the referendum.

Because, as Vilagrà warned, Pedro Sánchez “would be making a mistake if he thought that just by having opened the diversion line, the conflict is over” and a new stage begins. “On the contrary, the conflict continues. Simply looking the other way will not end. This file, as soon as possible, they have to open it,” he said.

And as to whether ERC will back Sánchez in a future investiture if he doesn’t accept those demands, the leader said her party should see “what this legislature gives of itself” and then “assess the success of this route and what results have been obtained”.

This week, the parliamentary leader of En Comú Podem, Jéssica Albiach, assured that in Parliament there is not “a sufficient majority” for the pact of clarity that Aragonès defends. However, Vilagrà points out that the government aspires to finally add the commons to this Canadian-style deal with Quebec.