Le elections in Catalonia they scored one significant turning point with the victory of socialists di Salvador Illa, who won 42 seats. It is the first time in 13 years that pro-independence parties have failed to obtain a majority in the Catalan Parliament. However, questions arise about alliances necessary to form a government. Joins per Catalunya, Republican Left of Catalunya (Erc) and the Cup together they won 59 out of 135 seats, well short of the absolute majority of 68 needed to govern the region. The possibility of an agreement with one of the two main pro-independence parties therefore opens up: the Junts for Catalonia (centre-right), led by Carles Puigdemont, have become the second political force with 21,62% of the votes and 35 seats, while Esquerra Republicana (left) suffered a significant loss, going from 33 to 20 seats.
The CUP's pro-independence left also lost ground with 5 seats less than in the previous elections. This result marks a reversal compared to the 2021 elections, when the three pro-independence parties won 74 seats.
Il Popular Party, on the contrary, recorded a notable increase with 15 seats, thanks to the absorption of the votes of Ciudadanos, while Vox it remained stable at 11 seats and the Comuns Sumar of former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau gained six seats, losing two. Finally, Parliament saw the entry of two deputies from Aliança Catalana, but the three historic Catalan parties have ruled out agreements with the far right for independence.
Socialists win in Catalonia: what happens now?
“No Catalan will be left behind in this new phase,” Illa declared confidently. But to reach the magic threshold of 68 seats, he will needsupport of Comuns Sumar and Erc. Meanwhile, the strengthening of the anti-independence right further complicates the political picture.
This could lead to a definitive separation of the pro-independence bloc and strengthen ties with the socialists, who already have a partnership with the progressive government at the national level. The premier Spanish Pedro Sánchez he would thus see his government strengthened, which in the meantime must face corruption accusations concerning his wife.
However, it will not be easy for Illa to negotiate a government agreement, considering that ERC has to deal with the decline in consensus and may not be convinced of the alliance with the socialists. In fact, Pere Aragones' party already seems to have taken a position, announcing that ERC will be in opposition and will respect the will of the citizens. “PSC and Junts have won, polarization has won, it is up to them to manage the new phase,” said Aragones. The only certainty at the moment is that no party has an absolute majority. But the possible scenarios there are two: a narrow and fragile left-wing majority or a return to the polls.
Meanwhile, Carles Puigdemont, in exile in France, wastes no time in making it clear that he wants to return to running Catalonia and proposes the formation of a "strong and entirely Catalan government", challenging the centralist parties. However, as underlined, this coalition would not have the numbers necessary to govern.
Sánchez: “Historical result, a new stage”
“Congratulations to Salvador Illa for this historic result obtained in Catalonia. We socialists are the first force again. From today a new stage begins in Catalonia to improve the lives of citizens, expand rights and strengthen coexistence": this is how the Spanish Prime Minister commented on the results of the Catalan administrative elections on X. “Catalonia is ready to make a new future a reality and open a period of hope,” added the Iberian leader.
