Rufián's Plea for Catalan Recognition in EU Sparks Debate in Spanish Congress

Spain's Congress witnessed a passionate debate on May 28th, 2025, as Gabriel Rufián, a representative of Junts per Catalunya, championed the cause of Catalan recognition within the European Union. His speech, captured in a recent TikTok video by El País, highlights the ongoing struggle for Catalan linguistic rights in the face of recent EU rejection. Rufián's impassioned plea underscores the importance of the issue, not only for Catalonia but also for the broader political landscape of Spain and its relationship with the EU. The video shows snippets of his address, where he eloquently argues for Catalan's inclusion among the official languages of European institutions. While the EU's recent decision was a setback, Rufián remains optimistic, stating that "there's still a window of opportunity" for achieving this recognition. The contrast between Rufián's determined advocacy and the subdued reactions of some of his colleagues in the Congress adds a layer of complexity to the story. The video's impact is amplified by the fact that it was produced by El País, a well-known and respected media outlet, lending credibility to the information presented. This event further underscores the ongoing political tensions in Spain and the importance of linguistic rights in the European context.