Catalonia's Political Landscape Shifts: Anti-Muslim Sentiment Fuels Far-Right Surge

In Catalonia, a region previously defined by its independence movement, anti-migration and anti-Muslim sentiment has emerged as the dominant political force, overshadowing the secessionist agenda. The far-right party Alianca Catalana (Catalan Alliance or AC) is gaining significant traction, positioning Islam and migrants as threats to society. Polls indicate that AC is on track to become the second-largest political party in Catalonia after the Socialists in the upcoming regional elections in 2028.

This rise mirrors a broader trend of far-right victories across Europe, seen in countries like Germany, Italy, and France. The surge of the Catalan Alliance has caused alarm among the Muslim community in Spain, who fear a potential backlash. Soukayna El Abdi, president of the Young Moroccans of Ripoll, expressed surprise at the party's growth, stating that most immigrants seek integration and that the Catalan Alliance promotes