Support for Catalan Independence Drops to 40%

Support for Catalonia's independence from Spain has reached a record low of 40%, according to a recent poll conducted by the Generalitat, the regional government of Catalonia. This marks a significant decline in support since 2015, with 53% of respondents now opposing independence. The survey, which included 2,000 interviews conducted between June 10 and July 8, coincided with the implementation of a controversial amnesty law that pardoned around 300 Catalan separatists involved in illegal activities from 2011 to 2023. The poll indicates a two-point drop in support for independence compared to previous surveys, while opposition has risen by the same margin, reflecting a 13-point increase in opposition since 2015. Support for independence remains strongest among voters of right-wing separatist parties, with 91% of Together for Catalonia (JxCat) supporters in favor, followed by 80% of Candidatura de Unidad Popular (CUP) voters and 75% of Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) supporters. Conversely, anti-independence sentiment is predominantly found among left-leaning parties. The Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC) leads the opposition with 80% against independence, while the far-right VOX party and the centre-right Partido Popular (PP) show overwhelming opposition at 90% and 96%, respectively. When asked about the desired relationship between Catalonia and Spain, 34% preferred the current autonomous status, while 31% favored independence.