Aliança Catalana rises in polls as Catalonia shifts focus to immigration
by@Reuters
Summary
In recent developments, the far-right separatist party Aliança Catalana is gaining traction in Catalonia, as a growing number of voters shift their focus from independence toward pressing issues such as immigration and crime. The party, which is now polling second in the region ahead of the 2028 elections, is drawing support primarily from working- and middle-class voters outside Barcelona. This rise has prompted traditional separatist parties to recalibrate their stances on migration while firmly ruling out any potential alliances with Aliança. Despite this shift, support for Catalan independence remains strong, with 45% backing it, even amid internal divisions and a recent loss of regional leadership.
Analysis
Joan Esculies: Joan Esculies is a historian specializing in Catalan politics who examines how voter priorities have shifted from economic issues tied to independence toward demographic concerns like immigration and cultural preservation. He characterizes the appeal of parties like Aliança Catalana as rooted in frustrations over stalled secession efforts and fears that new migration waves threaten the Catalan language and identity. His commentary underscores the ongoing resilience of independence support despite internal divisions in the movement. Silvia Orriols: Silvia Orriols serves as the outspoken leader of Aliança Catalana, drawing on her middle-class farming family background and training as a librarian to connect with voters frustrated by established politicians. She frames the party's message around preserving Catalan identity amid immigration pressures and references broader European shifts toward stricter border policies. Her leadership has been central to the party's expansion since its early local successes. Aliança Catalana: Aliança Catalana is a far-right separatist party in Catalonia, Spain, that advocates unilateral independence from Madrid while centering its platform on restricting immigration and strengthening public safety. It primarily attracts working- and middle-class voters in rural areas outside Barcelona who previously supported other separatist or far-right groups. The party's rising influence is dividing the broader independence movement and prompting other parties to adopt tougher stances on migration and security. Political Impact: Aliança Catalana's growth is prompting other separatist parties to adjust their positions on migration while traditional groups rule out alliances with it. Voter Priorities: Catalan voters have shifted focus from secession and relations with Spain toward concerns over affordable housing, migration, and crime. Independence Support: Backing for Catalan independence has remained resilient even as the movement faces internal divisions and loss of regional power.
Categories
macro