Catalan Solidarity for Independence

Catalan Solidarity for Independence (Catalan: Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència, SI) is an electoral coalition in Catalonia that emerged in the summer of 2010. This coalition was born from a grassroots social movement that orchestrated the Catalan independence referendums of 2009 and 2010. It was officially established on 20 July 2010 by Joan Laporta, a former president of FC Barcelona; Alfons López Tena, a jurist and former activist of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia; and Uriel Bertran, a former member of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya. This coalition serves as an umbrella for various groups advocating for Catalan independence and the formation of a sovereign state.

Historical Context

Catalan Solidarity for Independence takes its name from a similar coalition, Catalan Solidarity, which existed between 1906 and 1909, bringing together all pro-Catalan parties of that era. The historical continuity underscores a long-standing tradition of Catalan nationalism and the desire for greater autonomy or outright independence from Spain.

Composition

The coalition was formed as an electoral alliance of six political parties:

• Catalan Democracy
• Solidarity for Independence
• Catalan Republican Party
• The Greens–Green Alternative
• Catalunya Nació Independència
• Socialist Party of National Liberation

These parties united to participate in the 2010 Catalan regional elections, aiming to capitalize on growing sentiment favoring independence.

Catalan Independence Movement

The Catalan independence movement has been a significant political force in the region, dating back several centuries. The movement gained renewed vigor in the 21st century, culminating in events like the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, which led to widespread protests and the 2019–2020 Catalan protests.

Notable Figures

• Joan Laporta: Known for his tenure as president of FC Barcelona, Laporta played a crucial role in bringing together extra-parliamentary pro-independence parties and grassroots movements into a political platform.

• Uriel Bertran: A prominent political figure, he led the Esquerra Independentista movement and co-founded Catalan Solidarity for Independence.

Related Topics

• Anti-Catalan Sentiment
• Catalan Declaration of Independence
• Together for Catalonia (2020)
• 2017 Catalan General Strike

Catalan Solidarity for Independence remains a pivotal entity in the ongoing narrative of Catalonia's quest for self-determination and autonomy.