Junts per Catalunya struggles with internal divisions and reduced leverage in the Spanish Parliament. The party's hopes rest on Carles Puigdemont, but his plans remain uncertain. Key negotiations with Madrid have stalled.
Junts per Catalunya is entering the summer break facing a sharp decline in its political influence, both in the Catalan Parliament and in Madrid. The party, which once played a decisive role in national negotiations, now finds itself sidelined by the informal alliance between PSC, ERC, and Comunes, while also feeling pressure from the rise of far-right independence groups. The expectation that Carles Puigdemont's possible return could revive Junts has not materialized, as the former president remains silent about his intentions and the timeline for his comeback.
On the last day of the political term, Junts held a press conference not in the usual parliamentary hall, but outdoors in Barcelona's Ciutadella park, highlighting the party's current marginalization. The Parliament building, led by Josep Rull of Junts, was already closed for holidays, symbolizing the party's struggle to remain relevant. Three years after supporting Pedro Sánchez's investiture, Junts now sees its ability to influence government decisions fading as the Spanish legislative period draws to a close.
One of the main sources of frustration for Junts is the slow implementation of the amnesty law, which the party considers a broken promise by the government. Legal advisor Gonzalo Boye, close to Puigdemont, has openly accused the government and the president of the Constitutional Court of deliberately delaying the process to avoid political complications for Pedro Sánchez and to protect Salvador Illa's position in Catalonia. Meanwhile, Junts has failed to secure major concessions, such as official EU recognition of Catalan or the transfer of immigration powers to the Generalitat, while ERC points to a new financing model that would bring €4.7 billion more to Catalonia.
Despite claims that Puigdemont remains closely involved from Belgium, Junts has been shaken by internal disputes. The recent primary victory of Jordi Martí Galbis as the party's Barcelona mayoral candidate, against Puigdemont's preferred choice, exposed divisions. Martí Galbis has shown openness to potential agreements with the far-right Aliança Catalana, diverging from the cautious approach of Puigdemont and secretary general Jordi Turull. The party's unity suffered another blow when former Economy Minister Jaume Giró resigned, citing fundamental disagreements with the current leadership's direction. Giró, who favored pragmatic deals even with PSC, was seen as too moderate by some but retained support among the party's more traditionalist wing.
With Junts increasingly distant from positions of influence, questions are growing about whether the party's base will continue to support Puigdemont's leadership from exile. While his return is expected after the summer, there is little clarity on when or how he will re-enter Catalan politics. It is widely assumed that he will not take a seat in Parliament as opposition leader to Salvador Illa, especially as polls remain unfavorable for Junts. The party's repeated accusations that PSOE has failed to honor its agreements have made it difficult for Puigdemont to present himself as a successful negotiator.
These developments come as political tensions remain high across Spain, particularly regarding migration and border issues. For example, recent events in Ceuta have drawn national attention, with opposition leaders criticizing the government's handling of mass migrant arrivals and border security, as detailed in a recent report on government criticism over the Ceuta border crisis. This broader context of political fragmentation and shifting alliances underscores the challenges Junts faces as it seeks to redefine its role in both Catalan and Spanish politics.
Junts per Catalunya's current predicament reflects a wider trend of volatility in regional parties across Spain. The party's future now hinges on Puigdemont's next move and its ability to resolve internal divisions. As the political landscape evolves, Junts must find new strategies to regain influence, especially with key legislative and financial negotiations on the horizon. The outcome will have significant implications for Catalonia's autonomy and its relationship with Madrid in the coming years.
