Absences noted at forum

The annual meeting of the Catalan business lobby the Cercle d’Economia held in Sitges is noting the impact of the political situation more than ever this year. The conference, a tradition in the economic world usually attracting Catalan and Spanish political leaders will this year be notable for their absence.

With the first day coinciding with the motion of no-confidence tabled by PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez in Spain’s parliament, most eyes and ears will instead be focused on Madrid. The parliamentary session will last two days leaving only Saturday and Sunday as a viable dates for national politicians to attend Sitges.

Pedro Sanchez, and other senior representatives of the opposition such as secretary general of Podem Pablo Iglesias, and Albert Rivera, president of Ciutadans have already announced they will not attend. Meanwhile, Mariano Rajoy has not ruled out his participation in the planned closing, but obviously will need to make a final decision closer to the date. It is possible that the major parties will send alternative speakers which carry weight within their organisations but so far, none have been programmed to speak.

Without organisers being aware of the relevance of their choice, the theme chosen for the forum is titled “Unsettled times, new leadership” and could well be considered prophetic, rather than simply hopeful, as originally planned.

The opening session will go ahead according to the original programme with the Catalan president Quim Torras scheduled to speak, as well as leaders of all Catalonia’s political parties represented in parliament.