Together for Yes

Together for Yes (Junts pel Sí in Catalan) was a political coalition in Catalonia, Spain, formed to contest the 2015 Catalan parliamentary election. It was not a political party in the traditional sense but rather a coalition of various parties and independent figures who shared a common goal: the independence of Catalonia from Spain. The coalition primarily consisted of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC), the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), and several smaller entities, including movements and associations supportive of Catalan independence.

The core value that…   united the members of Together for Yes was the belief in the right of Catalonia to become an independent state. They argued that Catalonia had a distinct culture, language, and history that justified its existence as a sovereign nation. The coalition campaigned on the promise that, if they won a majority in the Catalan Parliament, they would initiate a process leading to the declaration of independence from Spain. This included plans to create the necessary state structures for an independent Catalonia, such as a tax authority and social security system, and to hold a referendum on independence, despite the Spanish government's declaration that such a move would be unconstitutional.

Beyond the central issue of independence, Together for Yes also advocated for progressive social policies, economic modernization, and the promotion of the Catalan language and culture. They aimed to address social inequalities and promote a model of sustainable economic development that would benefit all sectors of Catalan society.

The coalition's existence was primarily tied to the political context of the 2015 election and the subsequent push for independence. After achieving a majority in the Catalan Parliament, the coalition's focus shifted towards the unilateral declaration of independence in October 2017, a move that led to a severe political crisis in Spain. The aftermath saw the dissolution of the coalition and the emergence of new political formations and alliances within the Catalan independence movement. Despite its relatively short lifespan, Together for Yes played a pivotal role in the recent history of Catalonia's push for independence, embodying the aspirations and challenges of a movement that remains a significant force in Catalan and Spanish politics.