Pro-union socialists secure victory in Catalan regional elections as tide shifts

In a surprising turn of events, Catalonia’s separatist parties are facing the possibility of losing their grip on power in the region after the pro-union Socialist Party made significant gains in Sunday’s election. The Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC), led by former health minister Salvador Illa, secured 42 seats, marking their best result in a Catalan election.

The four pro-independence parties, led by the Together party of former regional president Carles Puigdemont, fell short of the 68 seats needed for a majority in the chamber, with a total of 61 seats according to preliminary results. This sets the stage for intense deal-making in the coming days as the PSC will need to secure the backing of other parties to form a government.

Illa, who played a key role in Spain’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed his intention to become Catalonia’s next president, signaling a potential shift in leadership in the region. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez congratulated Illa on the historic result, highlighting the significance of the outcome.

The rise of the far-right party Vox, which maintained its 11 seats, and the surge of the Popular Party to 15 seats, also added complexity to the political landscape in Catalonia. The possibility of a hung parliament or a new election looms as negotiations and alliances will be crucial in determining the future government.

Despite the challenges ahead, Illa’s surge in support is seen as a positive sign for the Socialists and Prime Minister Sánchez ahead of the upcoming European elections. The outcome of the election reflects shifting dynamics in Catalonia and sets the stage for a new era in the region’s political landscape.