The Catalan elections of 14 February (14-F) 2021: Elections of change

Abstract

As an introduction to this special issue, this essay presents the main factors that led to the calling of the Catalan elections of 14 February 2021. In so doing, it reviews three significant aspects. Firstly, we focus on the political context of the elections, marked by the disqualification of the President of Catalonia, Quim Torra; the political changes in the Spanish government; the judicialization of the Catalan independence process; and the tensions between pro-independence supporters, as well as by the health crisis resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Secondly, we briefly review which candidates gained representation and how they approached the campaign. And thirdly, we analyze the results of the call, considering such elements as turnout and abstention, vote orientation and the structure of the Catalan parliament. This gives readers a precise idea of the political situation in which the elections of 14 February 2021 took place before they go on to the other articles which make up this monographic issue and which deal in greater depth with the elections’ various aspects.