An election with historic consequences
The recent elections have had a significant impact on the political future of Catalonia. The result has spawned many firsts and historic numbers that will set the course for the country in the coming weeks and beyond. Although the cycle change had already been completed in the last 15 years, these elections have consolidated this change and reconfigured the Catalan political map.
Polls only partially predicted this outcome. Now, the importance of the agreements between the different political forces will be key to the configuration of the future Catalan government. There are no signs of pacts between Junts and ERC with the Spanish government, although Carles Puigdemont had expressed his opposition to a possible pact with a candidate like Collboni.
The result and its implications
The numbers clearly reflect the outcome of this election. Together it has absorbed the pro-independence vote and overcome ERC, while the PSC has managed to convince both sides of the political spectrum. The PSC had never obtained such a decisive victory as in these elections, with the support of 200,000 more votes than Junts, 500,000 more than the PP and 400,000 more than ERC. In addition, these elections have resulted in a Parliament without a pro-independence majority since 1980.
The result has also had an impact on other political forces. The PP has achieved a prominent position, exceeding expectations and strengthening its leadership. Although they will not be decisive for the formation of the government, the 15 seats obtained by the PP in Parliament are a significant return after being almost extra-parliamentary in previous elections.
The political future of Catalonia
Talks for the formation of the government will start soon, but the final agreements will be closed after the European elections. Although Salvador Illa intends to govern alone, other options are not ruled out, including pacts with Junts and ERC. The political future of Catalonia is still uncertain and many unknowns remain to be resolved.
One thing is certain, these elections have had a significant national and international impact. The historic victories and defeats that have occurred in these elections will be modulated by the political agreements forged in the coming months. The result of these elections has marked a before and after in Catalan politics and will have important repercussions in the future of the country.
