The CUP entrenches itself in Girona in the face of the electoral siege
Girona, a historic city and epicenter of the Catalan independence movement, has become the stronghold of the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) in the 12-M electoral campaign. The party, which held a massive event in the city, faces an uncertain electoral scenario, according to the latest polls, which threaten to reduce its presence in the Girona regions.
The fear of losing the bastion
The latest electoral polls by ElectoMania for the digital VilaWeb have set off alarm bells in the CUP, as they place the party within two tenths of losing its representation in the Girona regions. This possibility has led the Cupaires to deploy their main electoral assets in Girona, such as the number 1 for Barcelona, Laia Estrada, the mayor of the city, Lluc Salellas, and the former deputy Albert Botran.
An act of independence reaffirmation
The central CUP campaign event in Girona has been marked by a strong pro-independence discourse, in line with the city’s tradition as the cradle of Catalan nationalism. Mayor Salellas and former deputy Botran have emphasized the need to defend the land and reject any pact with the Spanish economic elites, whom they accuse of boycotting the independence process.
The CUP: an alternative to the economic and political system
In his speech, Botran defended independence as a means to achieve social and economic justice. The CUP is presented as an alternative to the capitalist system, which they consider responsible for inequality and the accumulation of wealth in few hands. The party proposes measures such as the creation of a public food distributor, the expansion of public services and the increase in the public housing stock.
The conflict with the State and the economic elites
The CUP considers that its proposals clash head-on with the interests of the Spanish State and the economic elites, whom it accuses of controlling the political and economic system. The party denounces the lack of affordable housing, the centralization of price regulation and the influence of large housing owners, among which Spanish financial institutions stand out.
The CUP, the only guarantee of defense for the Catalans
Estrada has insisted that the CUP is the only electoral option that guarantees the defense of the interests of Catalans. He accuses Junts, Comuns and Esquerra Republicana of operating in a Madrid key, abandoning independence principles and submitting to the interests of the Spanish State.
The CUP, defender of the independence and environmentalist agenda
The deputy and number 2 for Girona, Montse Vinyets, has advocated abandoning the reunion agenda and recovering the independence agenda. The CUP considers that the macroprojects promoted by the Spanish State are an example of contempt for the needs of Catalonia and its citizens.
Environmentalism and energy transition
Environmentalism is a fundamental pillar of the CUP program. The party denounces the environmental management of the Spanish State, which has left a gray and contaminated land. The CUP proposes an energy transition based on renewable energies and municipal management, in contrast to the interests of large energy companies.
The threat of reaction
The CUP warns about the growing reactionary wave that affects Catalonia, represented by the emergence of Aliança Catalana in the polls. The party remembers the historic cry of the social movements: “If the contrades destroy us, we will raise the barricades.”
Girona, epicenter of the independence resistance
Mayor Salellas has highlighted the role of Girona as a city committed to the independence movement and the defense of the rights of Catalans. The municipal institutions, and Girona in general, are willing to resume the independence process, first of the Principality and then of all the Catalan Countries. The CUP hopes to obtain a strong parliamentary group in the 12-M elections, which guarantees that the needs of Girona are heard in the Parliament.
The legacy of resistance
Salellas recalled the numerous generations that have sustained the presence of the pro-independence left in the Girona regions. The CUP is proud of its management in the town councils where it is a relevant force, such as Girona, where it has implemented measures such as the control of tourist rentals and water management.
A song to resistance
To close the event, the Empordà group Fetus has summarized the spirit of the CUP in a short verse: “Es ara, amics, es ara.” This song of resistance and determination has resonated strongly in Girona, a city that has become a bastion of the independence struggle in the face of the advance of reactionary forces.