The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has confirmed that he knew “for some weeks” about the investigation affecting his chief of staff, Eduard Rivas, for alleged irregularities during his time as mayor of Esparreguera (Barcelona). In his first public reaction after the case became known, Illa has defended keeping him in office and has stressed that he fully trusts his actions.
In an interview granted to 'Onda Cero', the socialist leader explained that it was Rivas himself who informed him of the situation. “He told me and he told me what he had done, and the attitude I saw was the correct one”, he affirmed, highlighting his collaborator's willingness to clarify the facts. Illa insisted that there has been no concealment: “We have explained everything there is”.
The president defended that his decision is based on criteria of justice and on the lack of conclusive evidence. “He is doing what he has to do, which is to collaborate,” he pointed out, adding that Rivas has assured him of having acted “at all times in accordance with the laws.” Therefore, he reiterated that he sees no reason to remove him from his duties at this time.
In addition, Illa stressed that in his political space, action is taken forcefully when there are clear indications of irregularities. “If I had evidence of him or of anyone on my team, I would act forcefully as appropriate,” he affirmed, making it clear that his position could change if investigations advance in another direction.
