Illa signs the former spokesperson of the European Parliament, Jaume Duch, for the new Catalan Government

After his dramatic investiture marked by the return (and flight) of the former Catalan ‘president’, Carles Puigdemontthe new leader of Catalonia, Salvador Illahas published the names of those who will be part of the socialist Executive.

Among the most prominent figures is James Duchthe until now Director General of Communication and spokesperson of the European Parliament. Duch, who is a lawyer, university professor and journalist, will be the new advisor for the European Union and External Action.

“Catalonia has gained a respected expert in Foreign Policy and the EU,” said the president of the European Parliament in a message on X, Roberta Metsola. “The European Parliament will miss her knowledge and leadership, but I know that she will continue to play her role in bringing politics closer to the people,” she adds.

In February 2017, Duch assumed the position of spokesperson for the European Parliament after a decade as Director of Media of the European institution. As an expert in European affairs, he will offer the new Government a direct line to Brussels.

“It is excellent news,” said the president of the European Socialists, the Spanish Iratxe Garciain your X account.

Nine women and eight men

Duch and the other 15 ‘consellers’ They will be sworn in this Monday and on Tuesday the first meeting could take place of the new Executivewhich includes technical and specialist profiles. Illa has included a total of eight men and nine women.

Silvia Paneque will assume the spokesperson for the Government, as well as the areas of Territory, Ecological Transition and Housing, while Miquel Sàmper, former head of the Interior during the Government of Quim Torra, will be in charge of Business and Work.

Alicia Romero will be the new Minister of Economy and Nuria Parlón, a politician who stands out for her style based on mediation and dialogue, will take care of the Ministry of the Interior.