A mass farewell in Barcelona
On December 27, 1933, the Casa dels Canonges became the scene of one of the most impressive funerals in Catalan history. At 12:00 p.m., the funeral procession of President Francesc Macià set off on its way, overcoming the opposition of Bishop Irurita, who initially refused to officiate the mass. Finally, Cardinal Vidal i Barraquer ensured that the funeral had the solemnity it deserved.
The impact of the call
Millions of citizens converged on Barcelona in honor of the president, with means of transport arriving from every corner of the country. The figures are overwhelming: during the route to the Montjuïc cemetery, around one million people gathered, a figure that represented 36% of the Catalan population. The press of the time highlighted the impact of this demonstration of mourning, an unprecedented event.
A unit that hid tensions
The magnitude of this mourning congregation highlighted the mythical figure of Macià, recognized for his contribution to the re-establishment of self-government in Catalonia. However, under this layer of unity, tensions were spreading that were accumulating in the country’s political structure.
The consequences of his death
President Macià’s absence left a void that would soon be felt. According to the regulations of the Generalitat, the president of the Parliament should take over, and that is how Lluís Companys, a federalist, took charge of the government. This triggered a change in power dynamics, with a progressive marginalization of Macià’s followers.
A political scene in tension
The internal division of the party culminated in the Events of the Sixth of October 1934, an episode marked by the strategic error of Companys, who tried to recover Macià’s proclamation in a moment of profound crisis. His decision revealed a lack of coordination with the pro-independence sector, which was pushed underground.
Facing the civil war
With the outbreak of the Civil War, Companys made a second mistake by forming the Anti-Fascist Militia Committee, excluding the pro-independence members from its structure. This resulted in a chaotic situation, with a lack of control allowing radical elements to assume positions of power.
The last rescue attempt
In November 1938, when Franco’s forces were approaching, some members of Estat Català proposed a demilitarized zone to protect republican refugees. However, Companys rejected this initiative, believing that the Republic could still win. This decision evidenced a distancing from Macià’s pragmatic vision.
The duality of the Republican Left
Macià and Companys symbolize two opposing visions within the Republican Left, with both seeking a future of freedom but with divergent approaches. This tension has lasted throughout the party’s history, creating a scene of internal conflict that still resonates today.
An unanswered question
History asks if there is anyone capable of leading the country with the determination needed to set a new course. The figure of Macià and his vision of an independent Catalonia continue to be a point of reference, while the legacy of Companys reminds us of the complexities of a historical moment that marked a before and an after.