Call for Dismissal: Terminology Dispute sparks Outrage

A significant dispute has emerged within the Catalan government, specifically concerning the use of the term Catalunya Nord (Northern Catalonia). Former directors of the House of the Generalitat of Catalonia in Perpignan have issued a strong statement demanding the removal of Cristopher Daniel Person, the current Delegate of the Generalitat in Perpignan.Their demand stems from Person’s alleged refusal to employ the term Catalunya Nord, citing respect for the French State as his rationale.

Former Directors Allege Policy Contradiction and Disrespect

In their statement, addressed to President Salvador Illa, the former directors—enric Pujol i Casademont, jordi Fernández-Cuadnch, Joan Gaubí, Josep Puigbert i Punset, and Alfons Quera and Carré—assert that Person’s stance contravenes the policy and foundational missions of the Perpignan delegation. They further accuse Person of displaying arrogance and ignorance under the guise of institutional neutrality, claiming his actions undermine the efforts of previous Catalan administrations as the delegation’s inception. The directors advocate for a replacement who possesses the knowledge of the contry and the sense of diplomacy they believe Person lacks.

Core Mission at Stake: Promoting catalan Identity

The former directors emphasize the importance of upholding the delegation’s original objectives: promoting the Catalan language and culture, and strengthening ties between Northern and Southern catalonia through a shared sense of Catalan identity. They argue that Person’s remarks during a recent session of the Institutional Affairs Commission of the Catalan Chamber, where he stated that the official denomination must be respected, and in this case it is indeed Eastern Pyrenees, demonstrate a sample of contempt for the Catalans of the north and southern.

Institutional Affairs Commission Confrontation

The controversy ignited during a session of the Institutional Affairs Commission. Representatives from ERC, led by spokeswoman Marta vilalta, and Junts per Catalunya, represented by Agustí Colomines, openly criticized Person for his consistent avoidance of the term Catalunya Nord throughout his address. This prompted the remarks that have now fueled the call for his dismissal.

The CEO of the House of the Generalitat de Catalunya in Perpignan, Christopher Person, has appeared to the Institutional Affairs Commission of the @parlamentcat And it has been let go. The answers to the demands made by me, on behalf of @JuntsParlamentand for other groups have …pic.twitter.com/2FpTtaNRxm

agustí Colomines and Companys (@agusticolomines) March 20, 2025

Background: Person’s Appointment and Justification

Person’s appointment as Delegate of the Generalitat in Catalunya Nord occurred in early October.At the time, Sylvia Paneque, the Minister of Territory and government spokesperson, defended the decision to replace historian Alfons Quera by citing Person’s geographical familiarity with the region. Despite being French, Person was born in Cervera in 1992 and has experience managing political marketing campaigns for the PSC in Cervera.

The broader Context: Catalan Identity and Regional Politics

This dispute highlights the complexities surrounding Catalan identity and regional politics. The term Catalunya Nord carries significant cultural and historical weight for many Catalans, representing the parts of Catalonia located within France. The refusal to use the term can be interpreted as a rejection of this shared identity and a deference to French sovereignty, which is a sensitive issue given the ongoing debates about Catalan independence and regional autonomy. The controversy underscores the delicate balance required in representing Catalan interests in a cross-border context.