The birth of a new political era
Although the past of Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC) is not so distant, there are still uncertainties about its foundation. This organization, which played a central role in Catalan politics during the years following the dictatorship, was created in a historical context that deserves a detailed review.
Montserrat: The stage of a key moment
On November 16, 1974, a group of people met clandestinely in Montserrat, an emblematic place for Catalonia. At this meeting, which brought together nearly a hundred participants, a project that had been in the making for months was formalized, with Jordi Pujol as the central figure.
The roots of the union
Anton Cañellas, one of the promoters of this initiative, played a fundamental role, seeking to create a common front around Pujol, who had demonstrated remarkable political potential. The idea was to integrate different sensibilities into a single project.
Democratic Union of Catalonia: A relevant actor
Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (UDC) had been trying to incorporate Pujol into its ranks for some time. This formation, with a history marked by its opposition to both the Franco regime and the Republic, sought to unify forces to face the challenges of the moment.
Internal tensions
Despite the UDC’s efforts, Pujol chose to go his own way, considering that the organization was not ready to become a true governmental force. Thus, the approach changed and a more flexible collaboration began to be sought.
The founding assembly
The Montserrat meeting was the first step towards the creation of CDC, with the participation of several key groups and individuals. The name Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya emerged from those conversations, with the aim of creating a federation that respected the various political identities present.
Diversity as a value
At the assembly, it was decided that CDC would be a federation of groups and people, with Miquel Roca as one of the most prominent voices. This diversity was considered an added value at a time when cohesion was essential.
A silent birthday
Over the years, CDC has commemorated several anniversaries, but the fiftieth anniversary of its founding in 2024 does not appear to have any significant celebrations scheduled. The lack of commemoration of such a crucial moment for Catalan politics may be a reflection of the difficulty of keeping historical memory alive.
The importance of memory
A people that forgets its roots loses its identity. As we approach this half century of CDC, it is essential to remember the struggles and successes that have marked the recent history of Catalonia.
