Together for Catalonia (Junts per Catalunya)
Together for Catalonia (Catalan: Junts per Catalunya, abbreviated as JxCat or simply Junts) is a prominent Catalan pro-independence political formation that has played a significant role in the region's political landscape since its inception. This center-right and populist party has been actively involved in the Catalan independence movement and has seen significant electoral success in the Parliament of Catalonia.
Historical Background
The origins of Together for Catalonia can be traced back to the regional party Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC), which was part of the broader Catalan independence movement. The party initially emerged as an electoral alliance in 2017, when former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont spearheaded the formation of a new political list. This was a strategic move following the dissolution of the previous coalition, Together for Yes (JxSí), which had sought Catalan independence from Spain.
Political Development
In November 2017, Puigdemont, who had self-exiled in Belgium to avoid the Spanish judiciary, established Together for Catalonia as an electoral list. This list included independents close to Puigdemont and members of the Catalan European Democratic Party, though it notably excluded the party's leadership. Despite the challenges posed by Puigdemont's exile, the list achieved significant traction and has since become a major player in Catalan politics.
Ideology and Influence
Junts is known for its staunch support of Catalan independence, advocating for the region's sovereignty and self-determination. The party's ideology is characterized by a combination of pro-independence policies and center-right populism. It positions itself against the central Spanish government's policies and seeks to promote Catalan identity and governance.
Junts has consistently been a dominant force in Catalonia, holding a significant number of seats in the Catalan Parliament. As of the latest elections, the party holds 35 out of the 135 parliamentary seats, making it the second-largest party in the regional legislature.
Recent Developments
In anticipation of the 2024 Catalan regional elections, Together for Catalonia announced the creation of a new electoral platform, Together+Carles Puigdemont for Catalonia (abbreviated as Cat–Junts+ or Junts+, Catalan: Junts+Carles Puigdemont per Catalunya). This move underscores the party's ongoing commitment to advancing its political agenda under Puigdemont's leadership.