Òmnium calls for dialogue with the State

Following the police repression in Spain and claims that Catalan society was divided by the independence question, Òmnium Cultural has turned its priority into the defence of coexistence and social cohesion based in the historic concept of “we are one people”. With political moods continuously subject to tactical variations the organisation has never moved away from the clearest possible message: self-determination is inalienable but the unity of the country is indispensable.

Yesterday, Òmnium Cultural held its largest ever congress with some 2,800 members gathered in Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron pavilion who reelected the imprisoned president Jordi Cuixart to continue as its leader, with Marcel Mauri to continue as vice-president and the visible representative of the organisation.

Their message was one of unity and a call for dialogue. Cuixart and Mauri yesterday called for “permanent dialogue” but without political renunciation both with the Spanish State and with those who did not support independence.

In a speech penned in the Soto del Real prison where he is being held, Jordi Cuixart gave two warnings: the Republic will arrive “sooner or later” if the majority of Catalans want it but it would be a mistake to attempt to set time limits.