Saturday in Barcelona marked a turning point for Catalonia’s political life. Around 70,000 people took to the streets to show solidarity with the people of Gaza and condemn Israel’s actions. This number was nearly three times higher than the participants in the traditional Catalonia Day march, which until recently was considered the main event for local activists.
The protest was organized by more than six hundred different associations and trade unions. Demonstrators called for an end to violence and mass killings, and urged Spain to reconsider its foreign policy regarding the Middle East. The crowd included representatives from a wide range of political forces, including CUP and Comuns, who vied for leadership within the movement. Notable political figures also joined the demonstration, such as Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni, ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, and other prominent figures from the Catalan scene.
Particular attention was drawn to the case of former mayor Ada Colau, who remains in custody in Israel after attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. Her detention has sparked renewed debate on human rights and international accountability. In response, Comuns have called on Pedro Sánchez to reinstate the universal jurisdiction law, seeking the ability to hold Israeli leaders responsible for crimes against Palestinians and Spanish citizens.
This time, even prominent supporters of Catalonia’s independence, such as Pep Guardiola and Mònica Terribas, called for participation in the rally. This indicates a shift in the public’s priorities: now the fight for the rights of Gaza’s residents has become more important than previous independence slogans. Politically, this means that the Catalan agenda is undergoing a significant transformation.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez found himself in a favorable position after voicing support for recognizing Palestine back in the spring of 2024. However, he is now expected to take bolder steps, such as breaking ties with Israel and rejecting the peace plan proposed by Donald Trump. The mass rally in Barcelona sent a clear signal: society is demanding change and is ready to take to the streets for new causes.
