Democratic Convergence of Catalonia
The Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (Catalan: Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya [kumbəɾˈʒɛnsi.ə ðəmuˈkɾatikə ðə kətəˈluɲə], CDC), often abbreviated as Convergence (Catalan: Convergència [kumbəɾˈʒɛnsi.ə]), was a Catalan nationalist, liberal political party in Catalonia (Spain). Although currently existing without any political activity, it played a significant role in the region's political landscape from its inception until its integration into a new organization.
Historical Background
Founded in 1974, the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia emerged during a period of political change in Spain, seeking to articulate itself as a transversal big tent political platform. The goal was to unite various social sectors, spanning from left to right on the political spectrum, to support Catalan autonomy and nationalism.
Between 1978 and 2015, CDC was part of the Convergence and Union (CiU) alliance, a significant political force that dominated Catalan politics. This alliance was initially an electoral coalition with the Christian democratic Democratic Union of Catalonia (UDC), later evolving into a party federation on December 2, 2001.
Political Influence and Alliances
CDC's influential role in Catalonia's political landscape was solidified by its strategic alliances. Ahead of Spain's first democratic election on June 15, 1977, CDC formed the Democratic Pact for Catalonia electoral alliance for the Congress of Deputies, collaborating with the Socialist Party of Catalonia–Regrouping (PSC–R), Democratic Left of Catalonia (EDC), and the National Front of Catalonia (FNC). For the Spanish Senate, it formed the Democracy and Catalonia coalition with PSC–R, EDC, and UDC.
Legacy and Succession
The Democratic Convergence of Catalonia was a prominent actor in the Catalan independence movement, advocating for greater autonomy and recognition of Catalonia's distinct cultural identity. Its legacy continues through its successor, the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCAT), which was formed after the dissolution of CDC. PDeCAT, in turn, became part of the Together for Catalonia coalition, which plays an active role in the ongoing discourse on Catalan independence and regional governance.
Notable Figures
One of CDC's notable members was Miquel Roca i Junyent, a renowned Spanish lawyer and politician who was instrumental in drafting the Spanish Constitution of 1978. Another significant organization affiliated with CDC was the Nationalist Youth of Catalonia, which continues to contribute to the political discourse in Catalonia.