![Catalonia's secessionists lose control of regional government 1 Salvador Illa (center), former Spanish health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, of the Catalan Parti Socialiste, after his victory in the Catalan regional elections, Barcelona, May 12, 2024.](https://img.lemde.fr/2024/05/12/0/0/5528/3775/664/0/75/0/12b9acc_5459964-01-06.jpg)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s conciliatory approach towards Catalan independence movements saw success in the recent Catalan regional elections. The Catalan Socialist Party (PSC), led by Salvador Illa, secured a strong lead with 28% of the vote and 42 seats, signaling a shift in the region’s political landscape. This victory comes as a result of Sanchez’s strategy of engaging with the pro-independence movement to build a stronger majority in the national parliament.
Low Turnout and Decline in Pro-Independence Support
Despite the PSC’s success, the turnout for the elections was one of the lowest on record at 55%, reflecting a decline in voter enthusiasm. Disappointment with pro-independence leaders and a decrease in support for parties like Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) contributed to the PSC’s success. The decline in pro-independence sentiment was evident as parties like Junts (pro-independence right) gained ground, overshadowing ERC’s performance.
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