Although the dialogue between the Spanish government and the Catalan government has not started yet, they have already engaged in a debate which is by no means a minor issue: the need or not for a mediator. The existence of this role is supported by the Parliament of Catalonia through a motion passed by Together for Catalonia (JxCat), Catalan Republican Left (ERC) and the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP), with Catalonia in Common (CatComú) abstaining, and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez opposing to this figure.
The issue is not trivial, and not so much because it could imply acknowledging the conflict, since that was put in writing in the agreement for Sanchez's investiture signed by the Spanish Socialist party (PSOE) and ERC. The matter is relevant because the commitments made by each partaker get recorded, as was the case with the figure of the 'rapporteur' one year ago, and it becomes more and more difficult, in fact impossible, to support an argument internally and a different one externally. It is, therefore, a way to push the negotiation and force the parties to an agreement. The Catalan side can only build on the Spanish government's firm commitments and concessions, so, in this case, it seems quite reasonable that they stand up for this role, which will eventually become very necessary for them.
That's where we are now, after nothing else but last Thursday's meeting between Torra and Sánchez. About this meeting, one could say that it was absolutely correct from an institutional point of view. Since no results were expected from it, it didn't disappoint. The language of the meeting was certainly moderate and had no rough edges in order to avoid closing the door too early. I guess Sánchez left Barcelona satisfied. He enjoyed prime-time minutes on all televisions and media, something that does work well for the Catalan Socialist party (PSC) and their "progressive" government.
It all seems, without a doubt, much more civilized than the scorched-earth policy constantly practised by Ciudadanos (Cs), whose ultimate eccentricity is to bring the dialogue table to court. The initiative might even be listed in the Guinness book of records. A dialogue table in court! Unbelievable.