The Junts per Catalunya party has unexpectedly announced it is ending cooperation with the Spanish government, signaling the start of a new political phase in Catalonia. Led by Carles Puigdemont, the party leadership decided to distance itself from the Socialists, accusing them of failing to fulfill their agreements. However, even if the government were to make concessions, Junts has no intention of returning to previous relations. Within the party, leaders believe that taking an independent stance is now more advantageous than continuing dialogue with Pedro Sánchez.
This move is part of a broader strategy: Junts aims to strengthen its position on Catalonia’s political stage. Collaborating with PSOE was hindering the party’s ability to compete effectively with Salvador Illa’s PSC and to criticize Esquerra Republicana for their ties to the Socialists. Additionally, breaking with the government allows Junts to respond to attacks from far-right Catalan independence supporters in Aliança Catalana, who accused the party of being too soft and unable to address pressing issues like tackling repeat offenses and illegal housing occupations.
Since Puigdemont’s announcement of the split in Perpinyà, Junts has become the center of heated debates and discussions. Within the party, there is no longer any belief in restoring relations with the Socialists, even if the much-anticipated meeting between Puigdemont and Sánchez were to take place. Junts’ leadership believes that any further rapprochement with the government would not bring political gains, but rather weaken the party’s position in Catalonia.
Challenges and new priorities for Junts
During his speech in Perpignan, Puigdemont focused on the failures of the socialists in governing Catalonia. He accused them of worsening the economic situation, lowering the quality of public services, and increasing the number of migrants. He also raised issues in healthcare, education, housing, and pointed to a decline in birth rates.
Although the next elections in Catalonia and at the municipal level are not scheduled until 2027–2028, Junts is already shifting its strategy to regain influence in the region. The party does not control either the Catalan government or the mayor’s offices of major cities. Puigdemont remains in Belgium, awaiting the implementation of the amnesty law, and Junts’ role in parliament remains unclear.
Response to polls and political competition
The Junts leadership is alarmed by polling data predicting the loss of up to ten seats in parliament—the same number the far-right Aliança Catalana could gain. Over the past two years, the party has focused on its role in the Congress of Deputies, where the seven Junts deputies played a key role in balancing power. This allowed the party to achieve concessions from the government and showcase its successes to voters.
However, Junts is now focusing on a return to regional politics. The party aims to ramp up pressure on its rivals and regain voters’ trust by distancing itself from former alliances and forging its own path. As Catalonia’s political landscape grows increasingly complex, Junts is counting on a fresh start and a renewed push for nationalist leadership.
