Perpignan, France – As France prepares for municipal elections, the city of Perpignan, in Northern Catalonia, finds itself at a critical juncture. More than just a local vote, the election represents a test for Catalan identity in the region, and a key battleground where political forces are vying for control. The city, the largest in French Catalonia with a population exceeding 120,000, is currently led by Louis Aliot of the National Rally, a far-right party. The outcome will signal whether Catalan nationalism can gain traction against a backdrop of political fragmentation and a controversial mayoral tenure.
Aliot, who recently stated he is “not anti-Catalan” but “anti-independentist,” and claims to defend “Catalan culture,” has faced criticism for actions perceived as undermining local traditions. These include reportedly vetoing a wedding conducted in the Catalan language, demanding French be used instead, and downplaying the celebration of Saint George’s Day (Sant Jordi), a significant cultural event in Catalonia. These actions, coupled with what some describe as a progressive shift in the city under his leadership, have fueled debate about his commitment to the region’s cultural identity.
The importance of Perpignan is underscored by the recent visits from prominent French political figures, including Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, representing the far-left. Their presence highlights the strategic significance of the city in the broader French political landscape, and the attention being paid to the Catalan question within it.
Several Catalan nationalist parties are contesting the elections. Unitat Catalana, allied with Junts, and Sí al País Català-Ouis au Pays Catalan are among those presenting candidates, either independently or as part of broader coalitions. The situation is complicated by divisions within the Catalan nationalist movement itself, mirroring broader political fragmentation.
In the town of Elna, the outgoing mayor, Nicolas Garcia, a committed Catalanist and communist, is stepping down, paving the way for André Trives, who possesses a “North Catalan sensibility” and is incorporating Catalanist members into his team. However, veteran Catalanist Pere Manzanares expresses pessimism about the prospects for a significant nationalist breakthrough in Perpignan. He believes the left and right are too divided, creating an advantageous position for Aliot. Manzanares too points to the potential for Aliot’s position to be challenged due to a recent judicial condemnation, though the details of that condemnation remain a point of contention.
The broader political climate in the region has seen a surge in support for the far-right. In recent legislative elections, the four deputies representing Northern Catalonia were all elected from the extreme right. Despite this, opportunities for Catalanist candidates exist in smaller towns like Elna, where allies of the Catalan movement could potentially repeat past successes.
Jaume Pol, co-president of Unitat Catalana, remains optimistic, believing Aliot will secure the most votes in the first round, but that Unitat has a chance to come in second and potentially gain support from other right and left-leaning lists. Unitat is fielding candidates in several towns, including Prada, Argelers, Cabestany, and Salelles, and has ties to prominent figures like Maria Costa, the mayor of Banyuls-dels-Aspres, who is close to former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.
In Perpignan itself, Unitat is supporting a transversal and ecological list led by Agnès Langevine and Annabelle Brunet, backed by the French Socialist Party. Brunet, who speaks Catalan fluently and previously organized a rally for Puigdemont in Perpignan in 2020, is a key figure in this coalition. This alliance represents an attempt to bridge ideological divides and present a united front against Aliot.
However, the situation is far from straightforward. The Catalan nationalist landscape is fractured, with disagreements over alliances and strategies. Sí al País Català, led by Jordi Vera, has formed an alliance with the Republicans (a center-right party) and the centrist list of Bruno Nogayrède in Perpignan, a move criticized by Unitat Catalana. Vera expresses pessimism about the chances of unseating Aliot, citing a lack of strong opposing candidates.
The lack of communication and agreement between Sí al País Català and Unitat Catalana further complicates matters. Each party criticizes the other’s alliances, reflecting a deeper ideological and historical rift. Vera, a former member of Convergència (a Catalan nationalist party), founded his current party in response to regional policies implemented in the past decade, distancing himself from Unitat Catalana. Unitat, allied with Junts, views Vera’s approach as unhelpful to the defense of Catalan identity and criticizes Nogayrède’s perceived lack of Catalanist commitment.
The upcoming elections in Perpignan and across Northern Catalonia represent a pivotal moment for Catalan identity in the region. The outcome will not only determine the political leadership of these towns and cities but also signal the future direction of the Catalan nationalist movement in France. The divisions within the movement, the strength of the far-right, and the actions of incumbent leaders like Louis Aliot will all play a crucial role in shaping the results. The question remains: can Catalan nationalism overcome these challenges and secure a meaningful voice in the political landscape of Northern Catalonia?
As the election nears, the focus will be on whether the Catalan nationalist parties can overcome their internal divisions and present a united front. The outcome in Perpignan, in particular, will be closely watched as a barometer of the movement’s strength and its ability to influence the political future of the region. The results will undoubtedly have implications for the broader Catalan question and the ongoing debate about identity, autonomy, and political representation in Northern Catalonia.
The first round of voting is scheduled for March 23rd, with a potential second round on March 30th. The coming weeks will be crucial as candidates make their final appeals to voters and the future of Catalan identity in Northern Catalonia hangs in the balance.
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