An exceptional election campaign
Parties race to close a campaign marked by little space for political content aside from prisoners, exiles and 155
We knew that nothing about these elections for the Generalitat would be normal, after being convened by the Spanish government and with candidates of both major independence groups watching on from prison (Junqueras) or in exile in Brussels (Puigdemont). As well, being held on a working day just days out from Christmas has added to the feeling of anomaly.
The campaign itself has been marked by a lack of political content in terms of programme, with much being contained in bitter accusations, especially from the parties in favour of the application of Article 155 which has never been far from the campaign foreground.
The campaign saw moments of tension as when artworks were removed from the Lleida Museum or when Madrid closed down Catalonia’s overseas representative institution, DiploCat. As well, sanctions imposed on Junqueras and Sánchez, who recorded electoral messages from prison raised the ire of many.
However, the most significant factor has been the absence of the two leaders of the largest groups, Carles Puigdemont (JxCat) and ERC’s Oriol Junqueras. Empty seats with yellow ribbons at campaign meetings spoke of their absence.
From Madrid the PP played an active part, especially deputy PM Sáenz de Santamaria whose comments showed the lack of separation of powers in the crisis. The PSC’s Josep Borell did not help matters speaking of “disinfecting” Catalan politics. State politicians such as Pedro Sánchez and Pablo Iglesias were active although Catalunya en Comú saw Xavier Domènech campaigning mostly alone. Inés Arrimadas (Cs) lowered her tone somewhat with a possible victory in sight. The CUP stood out perhaps in its stance of support for the Republic.