Sobiranistes (Catalan for “Sovereigntists”) is a political platform and parliamentary group operating within the Parliament of Catalonia, Spain. It was established in early 2020 by a faction of deputies who split from the Junts per Catalunya parliamentary group. The formation was motivated by a desire to create a distinct organisational vehicle focused explicitly on the promotion of Catalan self‑determination and the broader concept of sovereignty (sobirania) for Catalonia.
Founding and Composition
- The platform was created by four members of the Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCAT) who had been elected to the Catalan Parliament on the Junts per Catalunya electoral list.
- These deputies formed an independent parliamentary group under the name Sobiranistes, thereby obtaining separate speaking time and committee representation in the legislature.
Ideology and Objectives
- Sobiranistes positions itself on the centre‑right of the political spectrum and identifies primarily with the cause of Catalan independence or, at minimum, a substantially greater degree of political autonomy.
- The platform advocates for the recognition of Catalonia’s right to self‑determine its political status, the promotion of Catalan language and culture, and the pursuit of policies that it perceives as enhancing Catalonia’s economic and political sovereignty.
Political Activity
- Since its inception, Sobiranistes has participated in parliamentary debates, submitted motions related to the independence agenda, and coordinated with other pro‑sovereignty parties and civil society organisations.
- The group has also engaged in negotiations with the regional government and other parliamentary groups concerning legislative priorities, budget allocations, and the organization of a potential referendum on Catalan self‑determination.
Current Status
- As of the latest legislative term, Sobiranistes continues to function as an independent parliamentary group within the Catalan Parliament. Its members retain their seats and maintain the right to propose legislation, question the government, and vote on parliamentary matters.
Etymology
The term “sobiranistes” derives from the Catalan word sobirania (sovereignty) combined with the suffix ‑istes, which denotes advocates or supporters of a particular cause. Consequently, “sobiranistes” literally translates as “supporters of sovereignty.”
References
- Official records of the Parliament of Catalonia listing parliamentary groups and their members.
- Press releases and public statements issued by the Sobiranistes platform upon its formation in 2020.
Note: The information presented reflects the publicly documented activities and stated objectives of the Sobiranistes platform as reported by reliable parliamentary and news sources.
