The designation of Saúl Craviotto as the town crier for the Festa Major of Lleida has caused the institutional boycott of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya. The party's representatives in the Paeria will not attend the official event as a sign of protest for the election of the athlete.
The decision divides the municipal political sphere and has mobilized about twenty social entities that consider the swimmer's figure incompatible with the democratic values that the opening speech should represent.
ERC criticizes the athlete's political statements
Jordina Freixanet, municipal spokesperson for Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, explained her position through the social network X. The councilwoman maintained that being a town crier is one of the highest honors that can be granted and should fall to people with an exemplary civic commitment.
The republican group links the absence to Craviotto's support for the National Police during the October 1, 2017 referendum. According to Freixanet, this position causes a significant portion of the citizenry to feel unrepresented and disregarded by the choice.
"To be a town crier for a city is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a person" - Jordina Freixanet, municipal spokesperson for ERC in the Paeria de Lleida
The formation urges the municipal government to act with greater sensitivity and listening capacity in future decisions of this nature. They consider that the institutional act should generate the maximum possible consensus and appeal to all citizens.
Social entities and Junts add their rejection to the appointment
Beyond the institutional sphere, about twenty organizations have shown their disagreement. Ateneu Popular de Ponent, Òmnium Cultural, the ANC, Ustec, CGT, the CUP, the Cappont Cultural Collective, and the Pla de l'Aigua Stick Group are among the signatories of the rejection.
These entities argue that the designation of a member of the National Police without broad prior consensus can be perceived as a political decision that ignores the sensitivity of important sectors of Lleida society.
Junts per Catalunya also questions the candidate's suitability. The party recalls that Craviotto described the independence movement as madness and described Catalonia as a country adrift. Furthermore, they highlight his defense of the application of Article 155 against Catalan institutions.
Nationalists affirm that the proclamation is an emotional symbol of representation of the city and its shared values. They did not specify if they will attend the event, but they maintain their criticism of the lack of consensus in the election.
The PSC of Lleida, the party that leads the government team, responded by accusing ERC of hypocrisy. The socialists recall that the republicans congratulated the athlete for his Olympic medals while now they reject his participation in the local festival.
The mayor of Lleida, Fèlix Larrosa, defended the decision in the face of criticism. The leader assured that he respects all opinions but maintains that Craviotto is an example of values.
"He is a role model for many people, especially young people, and that is what qualifies him as the city's herald" - Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida