The Plenary Assembly of the Parliament of Catalonia (Catalan : Ple del Parlament) is the highest body of the Parliament of Catalonia, competent to decide any question within the remit of the Parliament as governed by the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia. For the plenary assembly to be valid, at least one-half of the deputies (currently 68 out of a total of 135) must be present at the seat of the Parliament, the Palau del Parlament in Ciutadella Park, Barcelona.
Catalan is a Western Romance language derived from Vulgar Latin and named after the medieval Principality of Catalonia, in northeastern modern Spain. It is the only official language of Andorra, and a co-official language of the Spanish autonomous communities of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia. It also has semi-official status in the Italian commune of Alghero. It is also spoken in the eastern strip of Aragon, in some villages of Region of Murcia called Carche and in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France. These territories are often called Països Catalans or "Catalan Countries".
The Parliament of Catalonia is the unicameral legislature of the autonomous community of Catalonia. It is formed by 135 members ("diputats"), who are elected every four years or after extraordinary dissolution, chosen by universal suffrage in lists with four constituencies, the Catalan provinces. The Parliament building is located in Ciutadella park, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 2006 provides Catalonia's basic institutional regulations under the Spanish Constitution of 1978. It defines the rights and obligations of the citizens of Catalonia, the political institutions of the Catalan community, their competences and relations with the rest of Spain, and the financing of the Government of Catalonia.
The plenary assembly is convoked by the President of the Parliament, either by his or her own initiative or on the request of at least three parliamentary groups or one-fifth of the deputies (currently 27 out of a total of 135). Extraordinary sessions may also be convoked on the request of the President of the Generalitat (who is also head of government).
The parliamentary groups of the Parliament of Catalonia are groups of deputies in the Parliament of Catalonia organized by political party or by coalition of parties. Their function is both political and administrative. The deputies in a group are expected to cooperate in promoting the policies of the group, while the group is allocated offices and technical support by the Board of Parliament, and may hire additional support for its members at its own expense.
The head of government is either the highest or second highest official in the executive branch of a sovereign state, a federated state, or a self-governing colony, who often presides over a cabinet, a group of ministers or secretaries who lead executive departments. "Head of government" is often differentiated from "head of state", as they may be separate positions, individuals, or roles depending on the country.
The plenary assembly is chaired by the President of the Parliament, or by one of the Vice-Presidents, according to a published agenda. Sessions are public except in exceptional circumstances.
Plenary assemblies are relatively rare, one or two a month, with most of the work of the Parliament taking place in commissions.
