How do the current and past political circumstances affect the city of Barcelona and its

identity?

Conor Butcher – cb536 – Barcelona Essay Week 20 – 2536 words

Barcelona, one of the most frequently visited and most popular cities in the world, lies on

the north-eastern coast of Spain in the region of Catalonia, and the second largest city in the country

after Madrid. However, it is not always regarded this way; owing to the current push for

independence by Catalonia from Spain which has more backing than ever before, it is increasingly

known in its place (and regarded so) as Catalonia’s first city. The changing political landscape in the

region and the Nation is changing people’s perspective on how they view the city, and how it is

regarded. This essay will explore how the underlying political struggle around Spain and Catalonia

affects the city, both positively and negatively, and how unmistakeably cosmopolitan Barcelona has

changed as a result of the continually evolving socio-political situation.

It is perhaps almost trivial to use a sport such as football to describe how views on Barcelona

are evolving, but the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is more than just a game

of kicking the ball around the pitch; it is one of the most significant examples of a rivalry known the

world over, and is one of the most widespread ways through which people hear and learn about the

city of Barcelona. It has become a symbol of the political tussle between the central Spanish

government (itself in a period of incomplete transition owing to inconclusive election results) and

the Generalitat de Catalunya. There are many examples of this; it is increasingly viewed as 90

minutes of Catalonia vs Spain. Barcelona’s away kit has for a number of years embodied the red and

yellow of the Catalan flag and emblem. In a recent Copa Del Rey (Spanish league cup) final,

Barcelona fans and Athletic Bilbao fans (from the Basque region, another with a strong identity and

independence movement) booed throughout the singing and reproduction of the Spanish national

anthem in full sight of the Spanish royal family. People around the world saw this broadcast onto

their TV screens, and immediately one can see how Barcelona is the centre of a political problem

between the Spanish government in Madrid and the Catalan regional autonomous government in

Barcelona. Josep Maria Montaner summarises this Madrid-Barcelona political problem:

‘’ the modernization of Barcelona (and Spain in general) was significantly delayed during the decades of

Franco’s dictatorship. “Francoism” had the specific aim of weakening the Catalan metropolis. And the Olympic

Games provided the opportunity and the impulse Barcelona needed to modernise and to recuperate the lost

time to be a modern and well equipped city’’ (Montaner, 2011)

The talk that he gave, and in particular this quote, shows how the strength of Barcelona relies

heavily on the level of persecution given to it by whoever is in power in the Spanish country as a

whole. It takes time for it to recover from the full-blooded persecution of its strength and anything

of regional identity under Franco, but gains its feet more so every time it opens up further to the

spotlight of the world, and more autonomy is given to it through the status of the Catalan Nation.

For a significant period of time from 2011 to recently in January 2016, the region

government of Catalonia in Barcelona was headed by the Convergence and Union party (CiU) with

Artur Mas as the president. His strongly pro-Catalan views (a central point to one side of the political

debate) are summed up in this quote:

‘’In Catalonia, we are facing crucial, momentous and vital turning points in our history and we do so convinced

that it will lead us to a better country. It is our duty and our responsibility to leave to future generations a

country of which they can feel very proud’’ (Mas, 2013:3 kindle format)

Considering the status of Barcelona as the capital of the Catalonian state he calls a country, it is

essential to regard it at the centre of the independence debate. Once more, it is commonly regarded

in vague terms as a Madrid vs Barcelona debate. This is another factor, influenced by the changing

political landscape, that affects Barcelona, its citizens and the way people see the city. It therefore

this reverts back to the question of Catalan independence with Barcelona as its showcase. He is

evidently pro-Catalan independence and was a significant part of Junts Pel Si which ran in the 2015

elections. This shows another move towards Catalan Independence which had hugely significant

backing, and shows that many citizens certainly of Barcelona feel they are not only better off outside

of Spain, but feel that Spain has suppressed the city and region’s identity to a worrying extent. This

shows how politics can significantly change the feel of a city. Considering the colourful and large pro-

Catalonia rallies held in the Streets of Barcelona and backed by Artur Mas, it shows that the

Catalonians in Barcelona have a strong sense of pride and feel a strong sense of connection with

their regional roots. It must be remembered that the people represent a large part of the feel and

appeal of Barcelona, and pride in one’s city significantly affects the ethics of the city, and give it a

positive vibe of pride and joy for what Barcelona stands for.

In addition, one must look at the changing position of the Mayor of Barcelona, which is

central to its political and social landscape and an important factor in city’s development and

change. Last year in 2015 the first female mayor was appointed in Ada Colau. Not only is this

significant from a gender point-of-view, but she is part of the Barcelona En Comu political movement

formed for citizens and shows how different the Barcelona political landscape is developing to the

central Spanish government. However, the changing political face of Barcelona shows how the city is

having a positive effect (depending on personal political stances) on the central government of

Spain, and only serves to give Barcelona more of an identity in terms of a culturally and politically

important city. This can mainly be considered positive for the city as it shows how significant it is in

not only regional politics, but national and European politics as well. The changing political landscape

of Barcelona is starting to be replicated across Spain, with smaller parties such as Podemos and

Ciudadanos mounting a significant challenge to the democratic status quo between PP and the

‘Socialist’ Party (PSOE). Not only this, but the strong identity of Barcelona and the important

question of Catalonia’s independence is strongly influencing this dismantling of the establishment

parties’ outright popularity. For example, Ciudadanos is a centre-right party that can be said to have

gained popularity through its localised vehement opposition to Catalan independence, having been

formed in Catalonia as Ciutadans in 2006. On the other side of the spectrum, Ada Colau and

Barcelona en Comu is politically left and a merger including Podemos, the new anti-austerity party

which came a hugely significant third in the Spanish General elections, and the party that surged in

the polls to come just behind PSOE, with Partido Popular (PP) first. Podemos campaigns strongly on a

national level for the Catalan right to self-determination of their political future influenced by the

political change in Barcelona with Ada Colau, and it is a policy which it is refusing to give up in

negotiations for the party to be a part of a coalition government in Spain which is proving extremely

difficult to form. This rise of anti-establishment ideas in Barcelona is now happening in Madrid and

across Spain as well as the city and Barcelona, and this is hugely significant in its identity, regards

and social landscape.

The increase in public knowledge of Catalan identity also significantly helps to give Barcelona

a unique identity, and only adds to the overall appeal of the city. It is not just about visiting the city

to see the wonderful uniquely-styled architecture of Gaudi, or watching one of the most famous

sports teams in the world at Camp Nou, it’s the whole idea of a Barcelona and Catalan identity that

has been suppressed at various points in history. With the current importance and promotion of the

Catalan independence question, parts of the identity of Barcelona that used to be covered up are

currently being found. Through the dictatorship of General Franco for example, the Catalan

language, any form of nationalism, culture or pride was suppressed in favour of promoting Spanish

and Spain, and to unify each of its regions. Barcelona, as a result, was deprived of a lot of its identity

which comes from Catalan Culture itself, and Madrid in the centre of the country was promoted as

THE cultural, political, economic and social centre of Spain. Nowadays, these qualities can again be

attributed to Barcelona in terms of the Catalan autonomous region. It can be said that with every

increase in support for Catalan independence, and with every concession given by the Spanish

government such as increased autonomy and increased local political influence from its main city of

Barcelona, the city gains back more and more of what defines its culture and identity, all stemming

back through Catalonia. Therefore, one of the most significant political problems in the Spanish

government at this moment in time has a heavy impact on Barcelona as a city; whether or not one

supports the Catalan push for independence through its historical persecution and huge sense of

national Catalan identity influences whether one believes this increasing independence as a positive

or negative change. The situation in Barcelona in regards to its Catalan identity is summed up in the

collection of pieces What’s Up with Catalonia? :

‘’Catalans are not waiting for anyone to rescue them, but they’ll be happy for you to know what’s going on

there. Next time you visit lovely Barcelona, I hope you’ll take a long look around, and have a clear view of the

country you’re in’’ (Castro, 2013:7 kindle format)

This sums up the idea that Barcelona is a beacon and a strong identity linked to the ‘nation’ of

Catalonia, which of course currently only has autonomous status within Spain. With the persistent

political question of independence, this backs up the claim that Barcelona’s identity as a city comes

from Catalan history and culture, and is its central showcase to the world as to show the true

Catalan identity that had been suppressed arguably ever since the Spanish state was created. As a

result, therefore, Barcelona Is affected by one of the biggest political debates to hit Spain since its

democracy began, and will always be at the centre of the debate. As summarised by Vincent Partal,

‘’Barcelona is the gateway of Catalanness to the world. It is an indisputably cosmopolitan city but at

the same time its most relevant essential character is its Catalanness.’’ (Partal, 2013: kindle location

1483). This supports any further theory of how what happens politically to Catalonia directly affects

the cosmopolitan city.

The Catalan language is also significant, as it is the way in which the city of Barcelona

functions and represents the communication between each of its citizens. Communication is

undoubtedly defining of a culture and a city, and Barcelona functions in Catalan. It may seem small,

but little features change the outlook of a city, such as road-signs in Catalan, menus, work and

transport timetables all in Catalan. If they were in Spanish only, for example, it would make the city

appear a lot more similar to other Spanish cities speaking Castellano such as Malaga or Salamanca.

Language is an essential part of a city’s identity, therefore. It links, as with all other aspects of

Catalan culture, to the Spain vs Catalonia debate. With the Catalan language suppressed under

General Franco after the Spanish Civil War, and in various other points in history, Barcelona was

therefore deprived of an essential part of its identity as a city and has been impacted negatively

whenever Catalan culture and identity as a whole was cracked down on. In addition, Xavier Villa

remarks that:

‘’Catalan is the main language of instruction in all schools and universities, and it is used by scientists to do

research as well as by caretakers to help elderly people. It is the first language used in the Barcelona Football

Club stadium, but also in the Liceu, Barcelona’s opera house, and in all museums as well.’’ (Villa, 2013)

This proves how essential and present the Catalan language is in the daily life and identity of

Barcelona, with the sheer range of activities that he notes the language is used for. All the scientific

work that may come out of the many prestigious and important academic institutions in the city

which help forge a certain reputation for the city, for example, rely on a strong Catalan language,

which thankfully has been growing since a lot of the persecution against it was lifted after Franco’s

dictatorship. Nonetheless it can be successfully argued that in order to allow the language to thrive

further and therefore for the city of Barcelona to be even more productive and academically

important, amongst other aspects, it would require a strong, independent Catalunya. Therefore, this

is another aspect that is affected by an eventual decision or solution created in regards to an

officially recognised referendum on Catalan independence with Barcelona as its beating heart; the

Capital.

In conclusion, to once more use a quote from the former Catalonian president Artur Mas I

Gavarro, to be used in terms of summarising Barcelona’s political defining sentiments, ‘’Catalonia is

at a historic crossroads, our most exciting … Barcelona will be affected as a city in all areas by an

eventual decision on Catalan independence; evidence suggests that considering the city’s identity

owing heavily to Catalan pride, culture, society and language, it will only serve to thrive even more

as one of the most sought-after cities to visit in the world through Catalan independence. Any

political debate between Spain and Catalonia therefore, directly affects Barcelona in terms of how it

is viewed from the outside world, and how it is viewed from within Spain. In addition, the political

debate for Catalonian independence has reached such an extent that a simple football match

involving FC Barcelona affects the city and the way people view it, its reputation and so forth.

However, even though politics heavily influences the city’s identity, reputation and ability to

showcase itself, it will always be one of the most culturally fascinating, beautiful and multicultural

cities in the world, owing considerably to its Catalan identity dating centuries back. Whether its

identity and culture had been suppressed for decades under Franco and way back in history, it never

eliminated the presence of Barcelona that keeps people coming back to it and regarding it as one of

the finest cities in the world. This can be proved by the continuous flow of poems and writing in

admiration for the city and its cultural identity, none more admired and eloquent as the Oda a

Barcelona from 1883 by Jacint Verdaguer. Barcelona will never cease to fascinate the minds of many

through any political suppression, but any further political freedom through Catalonia will only serve

to enhance its image and identity further.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES

Montaner, Josep Maria; (1999) The Barcelona model reviewed: leading up to 1992 Olympic Games; Birkbeck

Stanford

Miscellaneous and Castro, Liz (2013); What’s Up With Catalonia?; Catalonia Press; Massachussets USA

Oda a Barcelona/Oda Nova a Barcelona

Riviere, M. (1999) El Problema. Spain: Ediciones Temas de Hoy, S.A.