Aliança Catalana Faces Escalating Political Violence in Catalonia
Aliança Catalana experiences a surge in political violence as attacks escalate against party members and leadership in Catalonia.
Key Points
- • Political violence against Aliança Catalana has increased significantly in 2023.
- • The party's headquarters was vandalized in a recent attack.
- • Leader Sílvia Orriols faces personal threats and intimidation.
- • Local media contribute to the hostile environment against dissenting political voices.
The Aliança Catalana party is increasingly becoming the target of political violence in Catalonia, reflecting a troubling rise in hostility within the region's political landscape. According to recent reports, attacks on political parties in Catalonia have risen by 13% in 2023, with Aliança Catalana experiencing a series of violent incidents over the past months.
Most notably, the party's headquarters in Manlleu was vandalized, following earlier assaults on its members, including a public attack on a member in Barcelona. Radical groups, which previously directed their aggression toward parties like PSC, PP, and Vox, are now focusing their efforts on Aliança Catalana. This shift marks a new chapter in the political violence narrative in Catalonia, positioning the party as a primary target for intimidation and other aggressive acts.
Party leader Sílvia Orriols has been particularly affected, facing multiple threats, including a public assault involving flour, and intimidation at her home. Moreover, public figures such as Pilar Rahola and Pedro Baños have highlighted the increasing aggressions they face due to their political positions.
Concerns have also been raised about the role of local media in this climate of violence. Critics argue that Catalonia's media outlets contribute to the normalization of hostility against dissenting political voices by labeling them as 'racists' and 'fascists'. This rhetoric fosters an environment where violence against parties outside the mainstream is becoming increasingly accepted. Despite this adversarial climate, reports suggest Aliança Catalana is gaining traction, with aspirations for nearly ten parliamentary seats in upcoming elections, emphasizing the dichotomy between rising violence and their electoral potential.