Video: @CatalunyaAC / X
Orriols Emerges as Leading Figure in Fragmented Independence Movement
Silvia Orriols, mayor of Ripoll and leader of the far-right Aliança Catalana, became the focal point of Catalonia's 2026 Diada demonstration on Friday, 11 September, appearing with her arms and chin bandaged following a recent domestic accident. The rally, held under the slogan "Hi soc. Hi som. Independència" (I am here. We are here. Independence), drew approximately 45,000 people to central Barcelona, according to the Urban Guard. While up from last year’s 28,000 attendees, the figure remains far below the 73,500 recorded in 2024 and the peak mobilisations of over 100,000 during the height of the independence push. This year’s turnout underscores the diminished public momentum behind the independence movement, even as internal divisions deepen. Aliança Catalana positioned itself about 50 metres ahead of the main demonstration column, known as the "Present" bloc, reinforcing its break from mainstream separatist groups. The party carried a banner emblazoned with the slogan "Estat Català" (Catalan State), echoing the nationalist rhetoric of early 20th-century paramilitary groups.
Polls Show Aliança Catalana Surging Ahead of Junts
Recent polling data suggests a significant political shift. A Sigma Dos survey published by El Mundo on 11 September projects that if elections were held today, Aliança Catalana would win between 25 and 28 seats in the Catalan Parliament, up from just two in 2024, on 16.7% of the vote. This would make it the second-largest party and the largest within the independentist bloc. The party’s rise comes at the expense of Junts, which is projected to lose between 13 and 16 seats, falling to 19–22 deputies. ERC would hold steady with 19–21 seats, while the ruling PSC, though still expected to win with 31–33 seats, would lose ground from its 2024 total of 42. A July 2026 barometer by the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO), Catalonia’s official opinion research body, also showed Aliança Catalana overtaking Junts, projecting the party to win 23–25 seats. The CEO noted that 28% of former Junts voters and 23% of Vox supporters would shift allegiance to Orriols’ party, indicating a structural realignment on the right.
Clashes and Condemnation Mark the Day
The rally was marred by confrontations within the separatist camp. After delivering her speech in Plaça Catalunya, Orriols was escorted away by Mossos d'Esquadra officers following verbal abuse and attempted physical assaults from other independence supporters. Earlier, a Spanish flag was burned on stage by three hooded individuals immediately after a speech by Josep Vila, president of the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC). Vila remained on stage during the act, which was met with applause and chants of "independence". The ANC later announced plans to convene a summit of pro-independence civil groups to prepare a "great mobilisation" for next year’s Diada, marking ten years since the 1 October 2017 independence referendum.
The best way to defend the homeland is to include everyone who wants to feel part of it.
ERC president Oriol Junqueras used his speech to denounce exclusionary rhetoric, stating: "The best response is an integrating, inclusive project, guaranteeing rights and equal opportunities." His remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke of Aliança Catalana’s xenophobic and Islamophobic discourse. Catalan president Salvador Illa echoed the sentiment, declaring that hatred has no place in Catalonia. "In our home, hatred has no place. Catalonia is and wants to continue to be one people," he said, praising the region’s tradition of welcoming migrants. Junts secretary-general Jordi Turull warned against turning the independence movement into a "revolution of hatred", while former president Artur Mas questioned the effectiveness of isolating far-right parties. In an interview published the same day, Mas argued that democracy requires dialogue with any party that wins parliamentary representation, including Aliança Catalana and Vox.
The 2026 Diada illustrates a movement at a crossroads, diminished in size, fractured in strategy, and increasingly defined by a new, more radical vanguard.
Reported by elespanol.com, elplural.com, elmundo.es, rtve.es, en.ara.cat, catalannews.com, euronews.com, spainenglish.com, larazon.es.
