Aliança Catalana sets up in the premises of the independentist left in Berga

BarcelonaAliança Catalana lost its headquarters in Berga, as reported by ARA, at the beginning of June. In fact, very visible signs made it clear that it would be evicted the following month and neighbors were asked to stop graffitiing there, as it would become a regional museum. Now, however, in a plot twist, the far-right party has settled in the former premises of the independentist left in the capital of Berguedà. That is to say, the space where the Casal Panxo was, which was previously a hub of sovereignist anti-capitalism in the city, is now in the hands of Sílvia Orriols's Islamophobic party, as announced on social media.

After La Patum, this center closed because the owner did not renew its contract. From now on, Aliança will fill the space and Orriols boasted this Friday, recalling the loud booing she herself received for Corpus Christi in the city during the celebration of La Patum. "Guess where we will open Aliança's new headquarters in Berga... We have snatched Casal Panxo from you and we will snatch the mayor's office from you," she said. "Now, boo me," she concluded this Friday.

Berga, the second largest city governed by the CUP after Girona, has historically been a place with great strength for the independentist left, but previously also for Convergència and a century and a half for Carlism. Orriols achieved 10.58% of the votes there in the 2024 Catalan elections, far above the national average of 3.78%. The challenge she now poses is at the municipal level, with an eye on next year's May elections.

The last experience of the mayor of Ripoll in the capital of Berguedà was a strong booing during the city's main festival, amidst shouts of "Out fascists from the Patum!" and "Jump, jump, jump, fascists who don't jump!". This massive whistling occurred on the day Orriols decided to be present at the Patum thanks to the invitation of councilor Judit Vinyes – from an independent group that has joined Aliança after causing a crisis in the local Berguedà party. She did so in a context of floods, fallen trees, and 112 calls in Ripoll, where she is mayor. This caused a strong stir among the Ripoll opposition, who reproached her for her attitude.