Spain watches closely as Catalans take separatist movement to the ballot
NBCMay 26
Spain: Socialists Beat Pro-Independence Parties in Catalonia Election
The Facts
Catalonia's pro-union Socialist Party, under the leadership of Salvador Illa, emerged with a 42-seat plurality in Sunday's regional election — marking its first-ever victory in both votes and seats.
With almost all votes counted, the pro-independence parties Junts and ERC came in second and third respectively, with 35 and 20 seats. Meanwhile, the pro-union, center-right People's Party won 15 seats.
The Spin
Left narrative
Spain's socialist government has ushered in a new era of relations between Catalonia and the rest of Spain, with these election results being proof-positive that the pragmatic and diplomatic approach of Sánchez is the soundest. By meeting the Catalonians in the middle, nationalist fervor in the region has declined, as Madrid for once proves to be a receptive ear for their concerns — even in the face of condemnation of their brave amnesty law.
Right narrative
Socialists may have won the battle, but they will shortly lose the war as a coalition government in Catalonia seems to be possible only with the support of at least one secessionist party. Discontent with their appeasement policy towards Catalonian separatists, particularly with the controversial amnesty bill, can only aggravate such a scenario. Furthermore, if Junts feels marginalized in its own political stronghold, it's likely to punish the central coalition government.
Narrative C
The Catalonian dream of independence has not died — especially as this outcome is all too similar to that of the national elections that allowed Sánchez to secure another term despite the conservative People's Party emerging as the seat leaders. As Illa faces an uphill battle to secure a majority, it's clear that Puigdemont is best placed to form a larger and more coherent government for Catalonia.