Hoy por Hoy – Claves del día: “Junts, un actor normalizado de la vida política española”

Host: Àngels Barceló (SER Podcast)
Featured Commentator: Nacho Corredor
Air date: December 5, 2025

Brief Overview

In this episode, the panel discusses the normalization of Junts per Catalunya (Junts) in the Spanish political mainstream, following recent cross-party agreements between Junts, PSOE, and PP. The host and commentators analyze how public debate has shifted: Junts is no longer seen as an anomalous or controversial coalition partner, but as a normalized parliamentary force. The discussion also touches on declining support for Catalan independence and the intended consequences of the amnesty law.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Junts as a Normalized Political Actor

• After recent headlines [00:08], both El Periódico and La Vanguardia highlight how PSOE and PP have collaborated with Junts to legislate on tougher measures against repeat offenses (“multirreincidencia”).
• Junts is now described as “un partido más del arco parlamentario con el que pactan el PP y el PSOE.”
• Nacho Corredor emphasizes, “El debate público ha mutado y ha mutado claramente. Ya no se señala como anomalía que alguien pacte con Puigdemont ahora.” [00:19]
  • This marks a significant change from previous years, when arrangements with Carles Puigdemont or his party elicited public controversy.
• Agreements are “reivindicados” (claimed with pride) by both major Spanish parties; there's no longer a stigma attached to deals with Junts. [00:24]

2. Changing Political Dynamics and Rhetoric

• Even as Vox accuses PP and Junts of declining to present a motion of no-confidence, the narrative has shifted.
  • “Después incluso de que Vox haya acusado a PP y Junts de no querer presentar una moción de censura.” [00:31]
• The presence and participation of Junts in multi-party agreements is no longer framed as a scandal.

3. Catalonia’s Shift in Public Opinion

• “Cataluña, con los niveles más bajos de apoyo a la independencia de la última década.” [00:36]
  • A key observation: Support for Catalan independence has dropped to its lowest point in ten years.
• There's implied causality: “De eso iba la ley de Amnistía. Y todos disfrutan de sus consecuencias.” [00:39]
  • Suggests the amnesty law’s intention was to enable normal politics and enjoy its stabilizing effects.

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Nacho Corredor:
  • “Junts, un actor normalizado de la vida política española.” [00:34]
  • “El debate público ha mutado y ha mutado claramente. Ya no se señala como anomalía que alguien pacte con Puigdemont ahora.” [00:19]
  • “Cataluña, con los niveles más bajos de apoyo a la independencia de la última década.” [00:36]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:08 – Headlines: PSOE and PP strike legislative deals with Junts regarding persistent offenders.
• 00:19 – Nacho Corredor on the shift in public discourse about Junts.
• 00:24 – Agreement with Junts now “claimed with pride.”
• 00:31 – Vox’s criticism loses impact as Junts becomes normalized.
• 00:36 – Support for Catalan independence at decade-low.
• 00:39 – The amnesty law’s intention and its societal effects.

Tone and Style

The discussion is analytical and matter-of-fact, reflecting the podcast's commitment to helping listeners understand the changing landscape of Spanish politics. The language used is precise, with occasional reflective or wry undertones, especially when describing the swiftness of political normalization.

Summary at a Glance

• Junts has transitioned from a contentious coalition partner to a normalized force in Spanish politics, with public and cross-party acceptance.
• Major parties no longer avoid or stigmatize pacts with Junts, including legislative collaboration on law and order.
• Public discourse has shifted; the previous “anomaly” label is effectively gone.
• Vox’s attempts to discredit such alliances have limited effect.
• Support for Catalan independence is at a ten-year low—seen as a consequence of the amnesty law enabling a new era of pragmatism and normalization.
• The episode captures a Spain where yesterday’s taboos have become today’s accepted realities.

For listeners:
This episode provides a concise yet insightful snapshot of how Spanish political dynamics have evolved, focusing on the role of Junts, recent cross-party agreements, and the broader impact of legislative and societal changes in Catalonia.