Disenchantment in Ripoll: The manifestation of the left
Last Sunday, Ripoll was the scene of a demonstration organized in front, with the slogan ‘Tombem the far right!’. However, the event resulted in a significant failure. The organizers expressed their opposition to the use of feminism as a tool of hatred, with a clear allusion to the positions of the mayor, Orriols, in relation to the Islamic veil and religion.
Images that speak: the failure of the call
Photographs that have circulated on social media show that the rally failed to mobilize a significant number of participants. In addition, the elected officials of Catalan Alliance, led by Orriols, also made a presence. The intervention of the Mossos d’Esquadra, with identifications included, was the only highlight of an event that quickly became an anecdote.
Growing tensions: a recurring pattern
Despite recent failure, the mobilizations against Orriols have been repeated, with former Ripoll mayors, protesting against the current mayor. The CUP and other groups that have tried to make their voices have been observed in the town has also been observed. This dynamic seems to indicate an increase in political tension in the area.
Controversy and violence: the deployment of Catalan Alliance
At the same time, the growth of Catalan Alliance in Catalonia has generated controversial situations, including a violent incident in Barcelona where a militant required medical care after an attack. Authorities detained those responsible, but the controversy continues to feed public debate.
Disproportion and public perception
What is considered a ‘health cord’ against outsiders parties such as Catalan Alliance is generating a contrary to the desired effect. As in other European contexts, the demonization of this party has ended up giving it an unexpected visibility. The reaction of the public has been surprised by the discrepancy between the criticism received and the actual support that Catalan Alliance has achieved.
An uncertain future for the left
As the left seeks to intensify its opposition to the Catalan Alliance, protest strategies in Ripoll seem to have lost their effectiveness. The town, where Orriols enjoys considerable support, has proven to be a hostile environment for the actions on the left, which is now facing a significant challenge to revitalize its mobilization.
