On March 28, 2025, the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Catalunya (TSJC) took a significant step regarding Laura Borràs, the former president of the Catalan Parliament, by requesting a partial pardon for her and suspending her entry into prison. This decision comes after Borràs was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for prevarication and documentary falsification, crimes related to the irregular awarding of contracts during her tenure at the Institució de les Lletres Catalanes (ILC).
The TSJC's request for a pardon specifically aims to reduce the prison sentence by two years, allowing Borràs to avoid serving time. The court's resolution noted that the imposed penalty was excessive for the crimes committed, a sentiment echoed in their previous ruling from 2023, which had already suggested a partial pardon. Borràs's defense, led by lawyer Gonzalo Boye, formally requested the suspension of her prison entry two weeks prior to this decision.
In the context of her legal battles, Borràs has faced significant challenges. Initially convicted in March 2023 for awarding contracts worth €335,700 to a friend, she was accused of manipulating the bidding process to benefit him. As a result of these charges, she was suspended from her role as president of the Parliament in July 2022 and lost her deputy seat in May 2023.
While the TSJC has put a hold on her prison sentence, it has maintained the 13-year disqualification from holding public office. This means that even if she does not serve time, Borràs will still face significant repercussions for her actions. The TSJC also ordered the execution of a €36,000 fine against her, which she will need to address at a court hearing set for April 4, 2025.
In addition to Borràs, the resolution affects two other individuals involved in the case: Isaías H., who received the contracts, and Andreu P., who assisted in falsifying documents. Both have also had their prison sentences suspended, with Isaías required to complete 146 days of community service and refrain from committing new crimes during the suspension period.
Justice Minister Félix Bolaños confirmed the government's intention to review the TSJC's pardon request. In remarks made from the Canary Islands, he stated that the government would process the request and gather necessary reports from relevant agencies before making a decision. He acknowledged the TSJC's position that the sentence was disproportionate, reiterating that the government must carefully analyze all documentation before reaching a conclusion.
As the situation unfolds, Borràs's plea for a pardon has sparked mixed reactions. Critics argue that her request reflects a level of hypocrisy, especially given her party's past criticisms of state institutions while simultaneously seeking their assistance. Recent surveys indicate that support for Junts, the party Borràs leads, may be waning, with predictions suggesting a potential loss of seats in future elections.
The political landscape in Catalonia is shifting, and the implications of Borràs's legal troubles extend beyond her personal circumstances. The case has highlighted ongoing tensions regarding governance and accountability within the region. Borràs's supporters maintain that her actions, while legally questionable, were not driven by personal gain, and they argue that the legal consequences she faces are excessive.
The situation is further complicated by the broader context of Catalan politics, where issues of independence and governance continue to dominate the discourse. As Borràs awaits the government's decision on her pardon, the political ramifications of her case will likely resonate throughout the region, influencing public opinion and party dynamics.
In summary, the TSJC's request for a partial pardon for Laura Borràs marks a pivotal moment in her legal battle, providing her with a temporary reprieve from prison while the government deliberates on the matter. The outcome of this case will not only determine Borràs's future but also reflect the ongoing complexities of Catalonia's political landscape.
