Junts+ vies to lead pro-independence forces and restore Puigdemont as president

Catalan pro-independence party Junts+ could be a big winner in the upcoming Catalan election on May 12. 

While all polls point to the Socialists as the outright frontrunners, Junts+ could potentially overtake Esquerra, the other mainstream pro-independence party, to emerge as the second biggest party in Catalonia.  

A major factor contributing to this possibility is the influence of their candidate, Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan president who has been living in exile in Belgium since the peak of the independence crisis in 2017. 

Puigdemont, who has promised to return to Catalonia for the naming of the next president, has been campaigning in person from northern Catalonia, in what is now France. 

However, Puigdemont faces difficult obstacles if he is to become president. In the last elections, Junts secured 32 seats, just one behind the Socialists and Esquerra.  

Recent polls predict that the Socialists will win between 40 and 45 seats, while Junts+ is expected to take between 31 and 35 seats. Esquerra, on the other hand, could fall to as low as 25 or 26 seats. 

Although Junts+ are predicted to be the leading pro-independence party, which would give them the impetus among the camp to push Puigdemont for the presidency if they gather the support of Esquerra, CUP, and potentially Aliança Catalana, some polls also predict that collectively they will not achieve a majority.   

Independence, economic reform, and control of infrastructures 

The main goal of Junts+ is "the successful completion of the independence process initiated by the referendum of October 1, 2017."  

"Independence is the only way to continue to exist as a nation, with the Catalan language as a tool for social cohesion, and achieving high democratic standards and social and economic progress that corresponds to Catalonia's economic and financial structure," their program reads.   

Another key point on the party’s agenda is the reform of Catalonia's tax system and economic management. 

Puigdemont's party advocates for a unique financing system for Catalonia in relation to the other Autonomous Communities of Spain, which would give the Catalan government full control over all taxes collected. 

Junts+ also advocate for the Catalan government to take control of all major transport infrastructure, with direct oversight of the trains, ports, and airports in the territory. 

They also suggest cancelling Catalonia's debt to the Spanish state to make up for the investments promised and budgeted by Spain in Catalonia, but which were never carried out. 

In terms of fiscal policy, they propose income tax reductions and a 99% reduction in inheritance tax for spouses, descendants, and ascendants. 

Migration powers, Hard Rock development, and more homes

Junts+ seeks greater authority not only in economic matters, but also in the area of migration. They want to pressure the Spanish government to pass a law that would transfer full powers over migration to Catalonia. 

In terms of major development initiatives, Junts+ supports the development of the controversial Hard Rock casino complex, which triggered the snap election. However, Puigdemont has made it clear that they will not promote any more such projects.  

Regarding the expansion of Barcelona airport, the Junts+ candidate claimed that the priority is to manage it from Catalonia and said he would listen to proposals from "experts" before making a decision. 

On housing, they want to eradicate illegal squatting and reclaim 3,000 homes from Sareb, Spain's bad bank.   

They also want to increase the number of state-protected homes to 1,500 a year and ensure that 30% of new social housing developments are reserved for people under 35 and 10% for those over 65.