Barcelona awoke to a pointed display of discontent on Tuesday, with the headquarters of several Catalan pro-independence parties plastered with posters questioning their commitment to the cause. The Catalan National Assembly (ANC), a prominent civil society organization, is behind the action, targeting the offices of Junts, ERC (Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya), and CUP (Popular Unity Candidacy).
The posters, images of which have circulated widely on social media, feature slogans designed to challenge the political parties’ dedication to achieving independence. Phrases such as “To be or not to be an independentist, that is not the question,” “To trust politicians or not to trust them, that is not the question,” and “To carry the ‘estelada’ [Catalan independence flag] or not to carry it, that is not the question” are prominently displayed. Another poster reads, “Manifesting every Diada or not manifesting, that is not the question,” referencing the annual Catalan National Day rally.
The ANC’s protest signals a growing rift between the grassroots independence movement and the political parties tasked with pursuing its goals. The organization, now led by singer-songwriter Lluís Llach, has publicly expressed its dissatisfaction with the strategies adopted by Junts and ERC, particularly their willingness to engage in negotiations with the Spanish central government. The ANC rejects any agreements with forces or governments that do not fully support Catalan independence.
This latest demonstration builds on a history of tension between the ANC and ERC, most notably highlighted during the Diada march. As reported at the time, the ANC demanded that ERC either actively pursue independence or call for new elections, a sentiment echoed by chants of “Government, resign!” from the crowd. Despite assurances from Catalan President Pere Aragonès regarding a potential new referendum, the rally served as a visible expression of grassroots frustration with the perceived lack of progress towards independence.
The ANC’s actions also reflect a broader unease within the Catalan independence movement regarding the direction of political negotiations with Madrid. While the Spanish government, currently led by the Socialist party, has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, pro-independence parties remain divided on the best course of action. The Spanish government views the September 11th rallies as a sign of a declining independence movement, believing that pro-independence parties are losing support in elections due to Madrid’s focus on dialogue and political compromise. However, this assessment is contested by the ANC and other hardline factions within the movement.
The timing of this protest is also significant. It comes as the Catalan government and Renfe, the Spanish state-owned railway company, prepare to jointly manage the Rodalies commuter train network from . This agreement, brokered between ERC and the Spanish Socialists, has drawn criticism from the ANC, which views it as a concession that does not address the fundamental issues facing Catalonia. On , approximately 500 ANC members protested at Barcelona-Sants train station, denouncing the “unsustainable chaos” of the Rodalies network and accusing the Spanish government of “colonial treatment” and “fiscal theft.” ANC President Lluís Llach argued that Catalonia, given its tax contributions, deserves a reliable public transport system.
The Rodalies issue underscores a key grievance of the independence movement: the perception that Catalonia is economically disadvantaged by its relationship with Spain. Complaints regarding the Rodalies network have surged, with the number of complaints to the Catalan Ombudsman in the first three months of doubling the total number received in all of . This has fueled calls for greater autonomy and control over essential services.
The ANC’s protest is not merely a critique of specific policies. it represents a fundamental challenge to the political leadership of the independence movement. By questioning the commitment of Junts, ERC, and CUP, the ANC is attempting to reassert its influence and push for a more radical approach to achieving independence. The organization’s actions highlight the internal divisions within the Catalan independence movement and the difficulties in forging a unified strategy in the face of ongoing negotiations with the Spanish government.
The broader implications of this internal struggle extend beyond Catalonia. The situation is being closely watched by other separatist movements in Europe, and the outcome could influence their own strategies and tactics. The ongoing tensions between Catalonia and Spain continue to pose a challenge to the stability of the European Union, raising questions about the future of regional autonomy and national sovereignty.
The ANC’s actions serve as a reminder that the Catalan independence movement remains a potent force in Spanish politics, and that the pursuit of self-determination is far from over. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the movement can overcome its internal divisions and forge a path towards achieving its ultimate goal.
