In Catalonia, parties which back independence from Spain win election

Barcelona: – The political parties supporting independent Catalonia have secured a majority in the elections held in the region. The elections held for 135 constituencies in the Catalonian parliament, on Sunday, were declared and 74 seats have been won by the parties demanding independence for Catalonia. Analysts said that because of the increase in the number of seats being won by the parties demanding independence for Catalonia, the demand for Catalonian independence seems to be growing stronger. Since the last few years, the need for freedom is gaining ground in Catalonia, Spain’s most prosperous region. Four years ago, the Catalonian government held a referendum defying the Spanish government. More than 90% of the citizens voted in favour of Catalonian independence. But the Spanish government ruled this referendum illegal and imposed a ‘Direct Rule’ on Catalonia. Many Catalonian leaders were arrested and sent to prison in the action that followed. After that, the Spanish government had suppressed the demand being raised from Catalonia for a referendum.

The eyes of entire Europe, including Spain, were focused on the election results in Catalonia, against the background of the successful Brexit and the subsequent demand from Scotland for a referendum. There was a vote percentage of more than 50% in the elections held on Sunday. This response was significant despite the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic. The results declared on Tuesday revealed that the Socialist party, a part of the ruling coalition, grossed maximum votes.

But the parties promoting the plan for an independent Catalonia, who had formed a pre-poll alliance, won the majority of the seats. There are three parties in the coalition, and they have won 74 seats out of 135. There is a dense possibility of another party joining the union, and hence it is clear that Catalonia will once again be ruled by parties supporting independence for Catalonia. This increases the possibility of the demand for Catalonian freedom growing stronger, and the ERC party leader’s statements endorse this.

Pere Aragones, a senior leader of the ERC party, warned, ‘I wish to deliver a message to the European rulers. The mandate is unambiguous. The parties supporting independence have secured a clear majority. We have got more than 50% of the votes. The Catalonian people have given a verdict in our favour. The time has come to hold a referendum on the issue of autonomy.’

Catalonia is known as a Spanish province with an independent language and culture. After the democracy was re-established in Spain, the regional political groups continued to dominate the area. As per the Catalonian people, the Spanish government is meting out discriminatory treatment to the region. The economic crisis in Europe and Brexit has intensified the demand for independence for Catalonia. Despite the Spanish government refusing to recognise the referendum and its result, Catalonia’s sentiment for freedom is still strong. This is a cause for concern not only for Spain but even for the European Union.