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Catalonia

A Catalan pro-independence protestor wearing an Estelada, or Catalan independence mask, stands in front of police, not seen, during a protest in Barcelona, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.

In Spain, the price for power? Forgiving separatists.

Global Politics

Spain’s socialist party seems ready to form a coalition government after inconclusive elections in July. But to do so, they’ve had to promise to grant amnesty to fugitive Catalan separatists for their attempt to break away from Spain in 2017. The Catalan separatists’ party has become kingmaker, but folks on the right say the deal threatens Spain’s democracy.

Protesters hold esteladas or independence flags as they take part in a demonstration during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. 

In Catalonia, ruling separatist parties split, signaling end of an era

Global Politics
Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia team compete to make a human tower, or castell. 

Human towers contest returns to Catalonia after 4-year hiatus

Sports
People hold a Catalonian independence flag, as they march during a demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of a failed independence referendum, in Barcelona, Spain, late Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. 

Struggle for self-determination: Part I

Critical State
Marly Estrella is pictured with activists Luis Enrique Rumaldo (left) and Manuel Rico in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona.

Housing struggles rise in Catalonia amid the pandemic

COVID-19
A group of people gather around a flag in a night-time protest with low lights

‘Ideals can’t be derailed by jail sentences’: Thousands protest jailing of Catalan separatists

Protest

“We’re not going to stop thinking what we think, ideals can’t be derailed by [jail] sentences,” said Oriol Jungqueras, Catalan separatist who was given the longest sentence of 13 years for his role in a failed bid for secession. Jungqueras said a new referendum was “inevitable.”

a police squadron covered in colorful powder

Thousands protest in Barcelona for and against Catalan independence

Tensions remain high in the independence-minded region a year after the October 1 vote deemed illegal by Madrid but celebrated by separatist Catalans.

a human tower in Catalonia, Spain

In Catalonia, bullfights are out, human towers are in

Culture

Bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia since 2011. But another dangerous activity — castells, or human towers — is gaining popularity.

People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018.

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont to appear in German court after protests flare

Conflict

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont was due to appear in a German court on Monday as Spain sought to extradite him over the region’s independence fight after a night of protests there in which dozens of people were hurt in clashes with police.

Demonstrators gather outside the Catalan regional parliament in Barcelona, Oct. 27, 2017.

Catalonia’s lawmakers vote for independence from Spain

Global Politics

The Catalan Parliament approved the region becoming a republic, but the Spanish government is moving to take back control.