Socialist win in Catalan elections breaks pro-independence stronghold

Despite finishing second in the recent Catalan elections, Carles Puigdemont, the leader of the pro-independence party Junts, is determined to pursue his goal of leading the next Catalan government. The Socialist Party, led by Pedro Sanchez, emerged victorious in the elections but will need the support of the leftist Catalan party ERC to form a progressive government.

Puigdemont, who came in second in the elections, is now seeking a way to return to office and has proposed a deal to Sanchez. In exchange for allowing him to lead the Catalan government, Puigdemont has offered to support Sanchez’s minority government in Madrid.

The victory of the Socialist Party in the elections is seen as a validation of Sanchez’s approach towards Catalonia, including his proposal to grant amnesty to political leaders involved in the 2017 independence movement, such as Puigdemont. However, the pro-independence parties failed to secure a parliamentary majority for the first time in years, according to political science expert Jaime Coulbois.

As discussions and negotiations continue, the possibility of a rerun of elections looms, depending on the outcome of overseas votes. Puigdemont’s leverage in the situation, with key deputies affiliated with his party, could potentially impact the formation of the next Catalan government.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Puigdemont remains steadfast in his pursuit of leading the Catalan government, setting the stage for a complex and intriguing political landscape in Catalonia.