The Executive Council of Catalonia () or the Executive Government of Catalonia (Catalan: ) is the executive branch of the Generalitat of Catalonia. It is responsible for the political action, regulation, and administration of the government of the autonomous region. The President of the Generalitat is the head of government. The president may also appoint a First Minister (Catalan: Conseller(a) primer(a)) to serve as their deputy, although since 2006 the office has been replaced by that of the Vice-President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, who must be approved by the Parliament of Catalonia. The various ministers (Catalan: consellers) are also appointed by the President of the Generalitat. Ministers need not be deputies in the parliament, as they have an automatic right to intervene in parliamentary debates. Serving members of the government may not be arrested for any acts committed in Catalonia, except in flagrante delicto, and may only be judged before the High Court of Justice of Catalonia, or the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Spain outside of Catalonia. The Parliament of Catalonia unilaterally issued a declaration of independence from Spain on 27 October 2017 in favour of a Catalan Republic. In response Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Parliament of Catalonia and called a snap regional election for 21 December 2017. Current government List of governments since 1977 Provisional government, 1977–1980 First government of Jordi Pujol, 1980–1984 Second government of Jordi Pujol, 1984–1988 Third government of Jordi Pujol, 1988–1992 Fourth government of Jordi Pujol, 1992–1996 Fifth government of Jordi Pujol, 1996–1999 Sixth government of Jordi Pujol, 1999–2003 Government of Pasqual Maragall, 2003–2006 Government of José Montilla, 2006–2010 First government of Artur Mas, 2010–2012 Second government of Artur Mas, 2012–2016 Government of Carles Puigdemont, 2016–2017 Government of Quim Torra, 2018–2020 Government of Pere Aragonès, 2021– Former ministries Ministry of Defence Ministry of Public Works Ministry of Communications Foment Beneficencia Ministry of Provisions Ministry of Internal Security Ministry of Public Services There have also been two ministers without portfolio in Catalan governments: Rafael Closas i Cendra (ACR, 26 September – 17 December 1936) Antoni Sesé i Artaso (5 May – 29 June 1937) References External links Government of Catalonia