Donate

Politics of Catalonia

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

Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, takes a deep dive into independence movements, with a spotlight on new research about Catalonia.

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
a police squadron covered in colorful powder

Thousands protest in Barcelona for and against Catalan independence

Members of the Catalonian band, Txarango

Identity politics and music from a band in Catalonia

Music
Pro-unity supporters take part in a demonstration in central Barcelona

Massive crowds turn out for an anti-independence rally in Barcelona

Global Politics
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.

People wave Catalan flags during a demonstration organized by Catalan pro-independence movements following the imprisonment Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, in Barcelona, Oct. 21, 2017.

Catalan party threatens ‘massive’ civil disobedience against Spain

Global Politics

Catalonia’s parliament will hold a plenary session on Thursday to decide its response to the central government’s move to dismiss the region’s government while other independence activists have promised civil disobedience.

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy speaks during a press conference in Madrid

Spain says it will dismiss Catalonia’s government and call elections

Global Politics

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Saturday that his government will move to dismiss Catalonia’s separatist government and call fresh elections in the region in a bid to stop its leaders from declaring independence.

Barcelona soccer fans make their feelings known about Catalan independence, at a game on Wednesday Oct 18th 2017

The roots of Catalonia’s differences with the rest of Spain

Culture

With Catalonia threatening to declare independence from Spain, we look into the origins of the dispute between Barcelona and Madrid.

Pro-independence Catalonians hold up giant letters reading "We are ready, Independence" during the final meeting before a ceremonial referendum in Barcelona on November 7, 2014.

Catalonia’s leaders plan secession from Spain

Global Politics

The leaders of Catalonia say they’re ready to secede from Spain if they win an independence referendum this September. But even if Catalans vote yes, the Spanish government is dead set against any breakup.