Generalitat

Generalitat, also known as Generalidad, is the name used for the autonomous government of Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain. The term historically refers to the medieval and early modern political institution that gave rise to the modern government of Catalonia. Etymologically, it derives from generalitas or general council, indicating a general assembly or governing body.

Origins of the institution lie in the Crown of Aragon era, when Catalan representatives formed a general assembly to coordinate defense, taxation, and affairs of the Principality of Catalonia. Over the centuries the Generalidad de Catalunya evolved into the executive and legislative framework that administered Catalan affairs within the broader realm.

In the modern period, the Generalitat was reconstituted as part of Catalonia’s autonomous status. It was first reestablished during the Second Spanish Republic in the 1930s, suppressed after the Spanish Civil War, and then re-created following Spain’s transition to democracy. The current Generalitat functions under the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, defining its competences and relationship with the Spanish central government.

Today, the Generalitat comprises the President of the Generalitat, the Executiu (Executive Council) or government responsible for policy and administration, and the Parlament de Catalunya (Parliament) as the legislative body. It administers departments or ministries that oversee areas such as education, health, economy, culture, and environment, within the powers devolved by the Spanish constitution and statute. The institution operates from the historic Palace of the Generalitat in Barcelona. Catalan and Spanish are official languages within its administration and services. The Generalitat represents a cornerstone of Catalan self-government and regional identity within Spain and the European Union.