Olympic canoeist Saúl Craviotto will deliver today the opening speech that kicks off the Festes de Maig in Lleida. The designation of the athlete and police officer has generated a strong political division in the city.
Twenty local entities criticized his appointment this Wednesday for his support for the application of article 155 after the referendum of October 1.
Political polarization divides the council
The municipal government of the PSC together with the groups of PP and Vox defended the choice of the athlete. Instead ERC described the decision as totally unacceptable due to his condition as a police officer and his public positioning on the police action during the independence consultation.
The councilors of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya will not attend the event. Junts per Catalunya also announced their absence for coherence with democratic values and respect for those who defended the ballot boxes that day.
En Comú Podem accused the mayor Fèlix Larrosa of generating unnecessary controversies and reopening social wounds. The socialist councilor published a video on social networks conversing with the town crier to show his institutional support.
Craviotto thanks recognition of his roots
The athlete showed himself satisfied with the invitation during his statements prior to the event. He assured he felt proud to represent the city where he has his family origins.
"I am very happy, content, and grateful. I think right now I am the happiest person from Lleida" - Saúl Craviotto, Olympic canoeist and police officer
The PSC spokesperson Jordina Freixanet congratulated Craviotto for his medals at the 2020 Olympic Games. The councilor Xavier Estrada held a prior meeting with the guest to coordinate the details of the event.
Craviotto has been living outside of Lleida for many years but considers this moment a significant return to his roots. He thanked the trust placed in him to open the spring festival.
"Lleida is very special to me, it's my roots, my family, my place of return. I've been away from Lleida for many years, but this that you have done is very special to me, and I hope to live up to it. Thank you" - Saúl Craviotto, Olympic canoeist and police officer
The festive day continues today with the reading of the proclamation in Paeria square. The attendance of political representatives will be marked by the announced absences of ERC and Junts per Catalunya.