The designation of Saúl Craviotto as the town crier for the Festes de Maig has unleashed a strong controversy in Lleida just hours before the start of the events. The canoeist and National Police agent will take on the leading role tomorrow, but he does so amidst the public censorship of about twenty entities that reject his political profile.
Formations such as CUP, Òmnium Cultural, ANC, Ustec, and CGT have shown their disagreement with the choice. These organizations criticize Craviotto's past statements against the referendum of October 1, 2017, and his support for the application of Article 155 of the Constitution.
Entities demand that the Paeria reconsider the appointment
Critical groups have urged the council to withdraw the designation. They argue that choosing a member of the National Police without prior consensus is perceived as a political decision that ignores the sensitivity of part of the Lleida citizenry. They request opening a more participatory reflection process for future institutional acts.
Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida, has defended the figure of the athlete against the criticism received by his uniformed body. The councilor has prioritized the sporting career over ideological controversies to justify his presence at the opening speech.
"I respect everyone's opinions, but Mr. Craviotto is an example of values, as he has demonstrated throughout his professional career, and he is a role model for many people, especially young people, and that is what qualifies him as a town crier for the city." - Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida
Institutional support is not limited to the government team. Xavi Palau, leader of the PP in the city, has come out in defense of the Olympian. Palau insists that the recognition is based on having carried the name of Lleida all over the world as a champion.
Àngel Ros, former mayor of the capital of Segrià, has also celebrated the news. Ros has highlighted the athlete's local roots in the Secà and Pardinyes neighborhoods, where there is a canoeing center that bears his name.
ERC denounces the heir's ties with Aliança Catalana
The political tension around the festivals is not focused exclusively on the town crier. Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya has denounced that Xavier Sabaté Roldan, the heir of the Festes de Maig, maintains ties with Aliança Catalana. The republican party has released a video where the young man explains his adherence to this party.
In the images, Sabaté Roldan defends the need to recover common sense, order, security, and cultural identity. ERC considers the presence of symbols associated with this current inadmissible at a municipal institutional event.
"The whitewashing of fascism in Lérida institutions is intolerable." - Jordina Freixanet, municipal spokesperson for ERC
Jordina Freixanet, municipal spokesperson for ERC, has linked both controversies in her criticism of the local executive. The councilwoman has accused the mayor of selecting profiles that endorse state repression while allowing the presence of extremists in traditional roles.
The diversity of opinions has marked the prelude to an edition that promises to continue the public debate beyond the playful acts. The Paeria maintains its stance of distinguishing between the sporting meritocracy and the political activity of the participants.
Saúl Craviotto has six Olympic medals in his record.