On occasion of 'Polònia’s' tenth anniversary (1), last Thursday we watched a brilliant mockumentary where Catalonia’s main political leaders and some media personalities (Ferran Adrià, Pilar Rahola, Cesc Gay) made a cameo appearance.
I doubt if this would have been possible in many regions and countries worldwide. Up to three Catalan presidents took part in the show. This is no small feat.
We are going through a strained political time and an unprecedented legal clash is fast approaching. Nevertheless, the leaders of all Catalan political parties agreed to parody themselves. How come? The easy answer: because Polònia is a top leading show which they just cannot refuse to be on. Still, I think that the massive turnout points to something else.
One. Despite the independence process, not only do Catalans live together peacefully, but we also do so festively. Last Thursday’s show should be watched by those who speak of a Catalan society split over the independence process. Many of us disagree with independence, but our society is not divided, because those of us who oppose independence believe in democracy and we understand that anything can be fought for through peaceful means.
Two. The political class is well aware that the current process will be resolved in a democratic, negotiated manner. Otherwise the sense of humour that all politicians displayed on Thursday cannot be explained.
Three. The European framework provides a top layer that, somehow, protects the legal and political framework of the process.
Four. After ten years making fun of them, Catalonia’s political leaders agreed to perform on the anniversary of the show that mocks them. Surely this means that we are capable of comedy that is not hurtful.
Long live Catalonia. But Girona even longer (2).
Congratulations to the Polònia team.
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(1) N.T. Polònia is a popular prime-time political satire programme broadcast weekly on Catalonia’s public TV network.
(2) N.T. Girona-born Catalan president Carles Puigdemont is portrayed on Polònia as being a proud Catalan, but even prouder to be from Girona, north of Barcelona.
