In the early 2010s, Carles Puigdemont became a symbol of change for Catalan nationalists. His victory in the 2011 municipal elections in Girona ended years of Socialist dominance and paved his way into big-league politics. Soon, he found himself at the center of events, leading a coalition that brought together pro-independence supporters from across the political spectrum.
However, after this meteoric rise came a string of setbacks. The Catalan independence movement grew divided, and Puigdemont himself was forced to leave Spain to avoid criminal prosecution. His party, Junts per Catalunya, lost ground in the regional government, first ceding power to Esquerra Republicana and then to the Socialists. Since 2021, Junts has not been part of Catalonia’s governing coalition.
Junts changes course and sets new priorities
Despite the amnesty and attempts by the central government to ease tensions, Junts under Puigdemont has taken a hard-line opposition stance. The party increasingly pushes for right-wing demands: lower taxes, scrapping the inheritance tax, and tightening migration policy. Junts representatives now regularly issue sharp criticism of the government, and the prospect of working with left-wing parties clearly annoys them.
The party has ultimately moved away from its former Convergència ideology, which combined elements of Christian democracy and moderate social democracy. Now, Junts is increasingly resembling a classic neoliberal party focused on the interests of entrepreneurs and the middle class. This shift is evident in the behavior of its leaders, who openly express their dissatisfaction with being forced to support Pedro Sánchez’s government.
Political isolation and strategic paradoxes
Ironically, Junts, once considered the main driving force behind Catalan sovereignty, now increasingly acts in unison with Spain’s conservative parties. Their criticism of the government echoes the rhetoric of Partido Popular and Vox, causing confusion even among some independence supporters. Internal disagreements and a split with former allies from ERC and CUP have only deepened the sense of isolation.
Despite his past achievements, Puigdemont has failed to secure his status as a national leader. His attempt to declare Catalonia’s independence in 2017 ended in failure, and the consequences of that move still impact the region’s political life. As a result, instead of consolidating its position, Junts now risks losing its influence entirely, becoming just a tool for larger right-wing forces.
The future of Junts and Catalan nationalism
Today, Junts faces a choice: continue its confrontation with the central government or seek new ways to achieve its goals. For now, the party is sticking to a hardline opposition, but this approach risks further marginalization. Catalan nationalism is going through challenging times, and Puigdemont’s fate is a clear example of how quickly political success can turn into isolation and loss of influence.
