El fons documental de Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya arriba a l’Arxiu Nacional

Welcome and Acknowledgments

Opening Remarks

• The event marks the official entry of the Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya's documentary fund into the National Archive of Catalonia.

• Notable attendees include the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and other prominent political figures.

• Gratitude is expressed to all attendees for their presence at this significant occasion.

Tribute to Former Director

• A moment of remembrance is dedicated to Josep Maria Sanz i Travé, former director from 1992 to 2015, who recently passed away.

• His contributions as a medievalist and architect of the institution are acknowledged.

Significance of Today's Event

Importance of Document Transfer

• The act is described as extraordinarily relevant due to its historical implications for one of Catalonia's key political parties.

• The archive comprises 150 linear meters of various document types including textual, graphic, sound, audiovisual, and bibliographic materials.

Preservation Efforts

• Emphasis on the excellent state of preservation attributed to dedicated individuals over many years.

• Appreciation is extended towards staff at the National Archive for their assistance in facilitating this transfer.

Key Document Series Highlighted

Important Collections

• Two major series within the archive are highlighted:

• The first relates to electoral activities with images and campaigns that have become part of collective memory.

• The second involves documents generated from member registrations showcasing high levels of societal engagement by the party.

Legal Framework for Archive Transfer

Formalization Process

• In February 2026, a legal document was signed by the Generalitat de Catalunya enabling today's archival transfer.

Speech by David Bombeí

Reflections on Political Legacy

• David Bombeí expresses personal significance regarding today’s event as a recognition not just for a party but for an essential project in Catalonia's history.

• He emphasizes that this transfer represents a permanent incorporation into national memory and heritage.

Acknowledgment of Contributors

• Recognition is given to those who preserved this legacy during challenging times when Convergència faced political changes.

Closing Remarks by David Bombeí

Personal Gratitude

• He thanks key political figures present at the event whose support has been vital throughout his journey in politics.

Address by Artur Mas

Historical Context Overview

• Artur Mas opens with gratitude towards those involved in maintaining custody over four decades' worth of documentation related to Convergència.

• He acknowledges that while he has limited time to discuss extensive history, he aims to encapsulate key points effectively.

Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya: A Success Story

Overview of Convergència's Success

• Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya is described as a significant success story in Catalonia's political landscape.

• Between 1980 and 2015, the party participated in 11 consecutive electoral calls, winning each time through various coalitions.

• This consistent electoral success highlights the party's effectiveness and resilience in Catalan politics.

Service to Catalonia

• Beyond electoral success, Convergència is characterized as a major service provider to Catalonia, addressing both people and territory needs.

• The importance of community and territorial diversity is emphasized; a country comprises its people and their lands.

• The party operated under two main vectors: catalanitat (Catalan identity) and catalanisme (Catalan nationalism), focusing on cultural identity and serving the interests of the Catalan populace.

Political Approach

• The speaker reflects on Convergència’s operational philosophy, emphasizing a non-sectarian approach that distances itself from populism and demagoguery.

• Unlike some political entities that prioritize ideology over reality, Convergència aimed to serve the country's needs first while aligning with its ideological principles.

Conclusion on Legacy

• The speaker concludes that Convergència was not only an object of desire due to its successes but also faced destruction attempts within the political arena.

• A warning is issued about democracy being compromised when state power serves abuse rather than justice, indicating potential threats to democratic integrity.

Reflections by President Jordi Pujol

Importance of Historical Context

• President Pujol emphasizes the necessity for historical documentation regarding Convergència’s contributions to understanding Catalonia’s societal evolution.

Collective Memory

• He stresses that preserving this history helps recognize collective efforts towards nation-building among diverse groups within Catalonia.

Future Generations' Role

• Pujol calls upon future generations to continue building upon the legacy established by previous leaders in shaping Catalonia's path forward.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Reflections on the National Archive of Catalonia

Importance of Non-Residual Identity

• The speaker emphasizes the need for a strong identity that is not merely residual, suggesting a desire for active participation and relevance in society.

• There is an acknowledgment of past failures and successes, indicating that these experiences contribute to a robust national identity.

• The speaker expresses gratitude towards the National Archive, highlighting its role as an effective instrument for preserving history.

Legacy and Institutional Commitment

• The discussion introduces three key concepts: legacy, custodianship (marmessors), and heirs.

• Legacy refers to the exceptional project initiated by Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya in 1974, aiming to create a significant political expression for Catalan nationalism.

• Custodians are recognized for their efforts in maintaining this legacy with dignity, ensuring it remains relevant.

Collective Heritage of Catalonia

• The heirs of this legacy are identified as the people of Catalonia, emphasizing collective ownership over historical documents.

• The archive is described as a national treasure that contributes to transparency and accessibility for future generations.

Continuity Beyond Political Parties

• Although Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya no longer exists as a party, its members continue to influence Catalan politics from diverse positions.

• A philosophy emerges where collaboration (sumar), construction (fer), and progress are prioritized over division or destruction.

Closing Remarks on Historical Significance

• The speaker reiterates that the material and immaterial heritage now belongs to the entire nation, reinforcing unity among citizens.

• Acknowledgment is given to all participants who contributed to this event, underlining community involvement in preserving history.

Importance of Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya

Historical Significance

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of a political party in Catalonia's history, marking it as a significant day.

• This significance is acknowledged universally, indicating its undeniable impact on the region.

Contributions to Catalonia

• The party has played a crucial role in serving Catalonia, which is recognized by all.

• While opinions may vary on specific issues, the overall service to the country is acknowledged.

Promoting Coexistence

• The party has worked towards fostering coexistence within Catalonia during times of rapid change.

• Highlighting this aspect is deemed essential given the current transformative period.

Positive Assessment Over Time

• Reflecting on nearly four decades of service, the speaker notes that there have been positive advancements for the country.

• Despite not being part of this political formation, the speaker asserts that their contributions are viewed positively.

Recognition and Acknowledgment

• It’s important to recognize achievements across different political formations rather than engage in conflict.

• The speaker argues that Catalonia owes much to Convergència Democràtica; without it, the region would not be what it is today.

Acknowledging Contributions from Individuals

Collective Efforts

• Many anonymous individuals contributed significantly to the party's efforts and should be recognized.

• Their contributions are vital for understanding the broader impact of political movements.

Notable Political Figures

• Key figures like Ramon Trias Fargas and President Mas are mentioned as influential leaders within this formation.

• However, Jordi Pujol's association with Convergència Democràtica stands out prominently.

Legacy and Service

• The speaker acknowledges Pujol’s long-standing dedication and passion for serving Catalonia throughout his career.

National Identity and Future Outlook

Recognition as a Great Country

• A nation that fails to acknowledge its contributors becomes diminished; thus recognizing past leaders is crucial for national identity.

Confidence in Future Progress

• Emphasizing that Catalunya is a great country reinforces confidence in its future without needing external validation or permission.

Call for Generosity

• Gratitude is expressed for generous acts such as donating archives to public access, promoting transparency and historical awareness.

This structured summary encapsulates key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.