The historical context of the borrowing Pau Claris
A century ago, in 1925, Francesc Macià, a prominent deputy and defender of Catalan independence, signed an important financial agreement in Perpignan. The aim was to raise funds for the creation of an army that fought for the freedom of Catalonia, a key step in its long political career.
Details of Bond issuing
Macià issued a latter of 9 million pesetas, an amount today equivalent to about 60 million euros. The good ones, with values of 25, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesetas, had the only guarantee the future government of the Catalan Republic. This broadcast, despite its uncertainty, was completely subscribed, demonstrating the popular support Macià enjoyed.
The figure of Macià at a key moment
His emergency as a leader was in a context where other political figures, such as those in the Regionalist League, had lost credibility due to their collaboration with the dictatorial regime of Primo de Rivera. Macià, on the other hand, managed to generate a great hope around his independence project.
The underground subscription in Catalonia
Within Catalonia, the latter was secretly marketed through the Military Studies Society of Catalonia. A underground working group, led by journalist Abelard Tona, managed to collect about 5.5 million pesetas, demonstrating the strength of the independence movement despite adversity.
The impact in exile
Macià not only sought support in Catalonia, but also promoted an international campaign to attract funds among Catalan migrants in America. Its tour of the continent resulted in a collection of 700,000 pesetas in Havana, 550,000 in Santiago de Cuba, and other significant amounts in Buenos Aires, Mexico and Santiago de Chile.
Reflections on Macià’s inheritance
Francesc Macià’s legacy is reflected not only in his figure as a leader, but also in the ability to mobilize resources and supports for a cause that would continue to resonate throughout the history of Catalonia. The entrepreneur Pau Claris symbolizes a moment of cohesion and determination in the struggle for independence, which endures to this day.
