The CUP are a refreshing antidote for the tired narrative spun by some progressive left voices who cannot (or cannot be bothered to ) distinguish between narrow nationalism and progressive independence movements.
In a nutshell, the CUP is unusual. The grassroots members get to decide. Really.
Their aim is to create a progressive space, the Catalan Republic, on the principles of feminism, socialism and ecology – based on local, decentralised decision making.
This is not an ethnic based movement. The opposite.
They also want to leave the current formation of the European Union, which is seen as undemocratic.
If you are interested in their view of the Referendum process, have a look at this booklet on their website (CUP.Cat). The link should be: cap_al_referendum_EN
It’s a pdf document in their International section. In English.
By the way, their true strength is not reflected in the number of diputados / MPs they have in the Catalan Parliament (they don’t participate in Spanish elections).
It is their presence in neighbourhoods, associations and on the streets that count.
Farid Erkizia Bakht
iecosoc.net 
Leave a comment