Port of Barcelona model for Catalonian independence

Pere Padrosa, director general of the department of Transport and Mobility in the Catalonian government, used his keynote speech at Transport Events’ 5th Med Ports conference to make the connection.

“In Catalonia, we have repeatedly shown that given the ability to decide and given autonomy in management we know how to work and we are able to grow,” he said.

“The case of the Port of Barcelona is a clear example of success in all aspects. Its autonomous management has clearly been a success, as is the case with the Catalan nation.”

Catalonia is currently embroiled in a battle with the Spanish government to declare its independence, following a disputed referendum held earlier this month. One of the ruling separatist coalition parties which forms the Catalan government has stated that it is going to work toward building a republic for Catalonia as a result of the referendum.

The event is taking place in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and a key voice in the campaign for independence.

Mr Padrosa went on to say that the region must “react to the times and to the changes taking place”. “We are calling for our own local management of our ports with a greater capacity to establish real trade policies and regulation which will end the centralist models.”

He concluded by urging delegates to work together towards better and more powerful ports in the Mediterranean. “We share promotion of Mediterranean ports together. We must be a true network of ports and for this reason it is essential that we think strategically and globally,” he said.

He envisaged greener and smarter ports with better intermodality, interconnectivity and digitalisation, hooking his aspirations for the region’s ports on a Mediterranean corridor that will connect the Catalonian coast and engender positive modality.