Catalan Separatist Movement Sees Cracks as Polls Tighten

  • Puigdemont doubles down on independence but allies soften tone
  • Opinion polls tighten ahead of Dec. 21 regional election
Carles Puigdemont in Bruges on Nov. 25.

Photographer: Nicolas Maeterlinck/AFP via Getty Images

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The Catalan independence movement is divided over how to move forward as opinion polls suggest the December regional election is too close to call.

While ousted President Carles Puigdemont doubled down this weekend on his pledge to make the wealthy region an independent state, his former ally Esquerra Republicana suggested the party should focus on policy instead. The clash comes after Puigdemont’s own party coordinator suggested abandoning a unilateral claim for independence in favor of talks with Madrid officials.