FACE TO FACE WITH

Miquel Roca i Junyent, lawyer and Catalan and Spanish political life

Miquel Roca i Junyent: “I am not a passionate advocate of constitutional reform”

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David Rabadà

It is not every day that one has the chance to interview one of the so-called “fathers” of the Spanish Constitution and a direct witness to Spain’s political transition from Franco’s dictatorship to the democratic regime we know today. Miquel Roca i Junyent was born in exile, in Bordeaux, on 20 April 1940. At the time, few would have predicted that he would go on to become a prominent lawyer and a key figure in both Catalan and Spanish political life.

Yet beyond the public figure, I share with him two more personal, albeit distant, connections. First, we are both members of the Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Catalonia. Second, many years ago, he presented me with the Ciutat de Valls Nature Award in 1994. On that occasion, he gave me my first piece of advice on the protocols of public speaking. These shared moments justify a face-to-face conversation with one of the enduring figures of Spanish politics.

You are often referred to as one of the “fathers” of the Spanish Constitution. How do you feel about that label?
The Constitution has many fathers. Chief among them are the citizens who approved it by an overwhelming majority. Those of us involved in its drafting were simply the “scribes” of what the people wished their Constitution to express.

How would you reform the 1978 Constitution to reflect the context of 2025?
I am not a passionate advocate of constitutional reform. That said, if society truly desires it, the Constitution itself provides the mechanisms for amendment. At present, however, the consensus required for such a change seems difficult to attain. Moreover, I do not see any pressing issue that cannot be addressed within the existing framework and values of the current Constitution.

“Ignoring history is short-sighted; it is the surest way to repeat its mistakes”

For many, the transition to democracy now seems a remote event, although it was a moment of great delicacy. How should this period be taught in secondary education? Do you believe students today have a clear understanding of that context?

The issue is not how it should be taught, but rather ensuring that the recent history of both Spain and Catalonia is properly explained. Ignoring history is short-sighted; it is the surest way to repeat its mistakes. Time and again, we encounter situations strikingly similar to those we have already lived through—yet people remain unaware. We may argue that mathematics is essential, and it is—but so is history.

Do you miss your time in politics? Would you consider returning today?

I do not miss what you suggest, because I have always felt—and still feel—politically committed to defending the values and principles that have shaped my political outlook throughout my life.

If you could revisit your professional past, would you change anything? Any decisions? Any party colleagues?

I have never given much thought to how I might have improved my professional past. Rather, I have always tried to serve my profession effectively and with integrity. As for political decisions, I have always shared these with others, and it is therefore something to be examined collectively. For me, it is more important to learn from the past in order not to repeat its mistakes. And finally, I have never considered changing party colleagues.

How would you describe the current state of national politics in three adjectives?

Disordered, disoriented, uncertain.

What, in your view, would be the ideal model for today’s Spanish State?

One chosen by its citizens—through broad consensus, grounded in pluralism and respect for diversity.

“Effort is essential; talent alone is never sufficient”

What does the word “effort” mean to you in the context of education?

Effort is essential; talent alone is never sufficient. A culture of effort and self-discipline is fundamental to forming strong individuals—and, by extension, a robust society.

Do you see a link between your professional achievements and the education you received? If so, what sort of education was it?

I do not attribute my professional achievements to any particular cause. I am simply grateful for the education my parents gave me and the school that welcomed me. Later, at university, I was fortunate to learn from outstanding professors in the Faculty of Law, such as Font i Rius, Ángel Latorre, Díez de Velasco, Pérez Vitoria, Albaladejo, among others.

Do you think the current LOMLOE legislation will be able to resolve the low levels of reading and science evidenced in Spain by various international indicators?

I sincerely hope so, but that is a question for people more expert than myself. Perhaps one of the problems with our educational shortcomings is that those without the necessary expertise have attempted to answer it. It should be the experts who guide our understanding—yet that has not always been the case.

“In both education and civic life, authority is a concept that we construct collectively in order to guarantee coexistence”

How would you define “authority” in education?

In both education and civic life, authority is a concept that we construct collectively in order to guarantee coexistence. And when the authority derived from society’s delegation is combined with moral authority, this concept becomes fundamental to the very structure of society.

Could you tell us a bit about your current professional projects?
For me, my work continues to be guided by the same principles that shaped it at the very beginning.

From a utopian standpoint, what would you wish for your local community?
Freedom, well-being, mutual respect, and tolerance. I could not wish for my own community anything that I would not wish for others.

Source: educational EVIDENCE

Rights: Creative Commons