Three lost years? Catalan parties reflect on a turbulent political cycle

It’s been three years since Catalonia’s bid to hold a referendum and become independent was thwarted by Spain’s backlash and a wave of judicial cases and imprisonments that last to this day.

The rise and fall of Quim Torra as Catalan president can perhaps best summarise how the lingering effects of the independence push were ever-present throughout this period—at least until the coronavirus pandemic took center stage last March. 

A pro-independence activist and political newcomer, Torra was personally chosen by Carles Puigdemont to succeed him in May 2018 after the former Catalan president went into exile and was banned from reclaiming his post from abroad despite enjoying support from a majority of lawmakers.