Jordi Pujol Corruption Trial Shakes Catalonia’s Political Landscape Amid Far-Right Rise
The corruption trial against Jordi Pujol is reshaping Catalonia's politics, overshadowed by the rise of a far-right party challenging traditional forces.
- • Jordi Pujol and his family face serious corruption charges with the trial lasting until May 2026.
- • Pujol's admission of unreported foreign funds has made him a 'toxic asset' politically.
- • The rise of the far-right party Aliança Catalana challenges traditional Catalan parties.
- • The political landscape in Catalonia is shifting, with the PSC seeking a centrist position amid these changes.
Key details
The ongoing corruption trial against Jordi Pujol and his family has become a pivotal event in Catalonia, deeply impacting its political sphere. Beginning November 24, 2023, and expected to continue until May 14, 2026, the trial involves serious allegations including illicit association, tax evasion, money laundering, and document forgery. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison sentence for Pujol and harsher penalties for his family members, highlighting the gravity of the charges.
Jordi Pujol, once a central figure in Catalonia’s autonomy movement, has become a political liability after admitting in 2014 to unreported foreign funds. His legacy is now widely reconsidered, with analysts labeling him a "toxic asset" for parties that previously supported him. This trial coincides with notable shifts in the Catalan political scene, marked by the emergence of the far-right party Aliança Catalana. The party’s growing anti-immigrant stance presents a significant challenge to traditional political groups such as Junts per Catalunya and the Socialists' Party of Catalonia (PSC).
The PSC is attempting to carve out a centrist position amid this rising far-right influence, reflecting a broader European trend. These dynamics create uncertainty about the future direction of Catalan politics, including the future of the independence movement and governance in the region. The trial has thus not only judicial implications but also deep political repercussions, signaling a possible reconfiguration of alliances and power balances in Catalonia.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
