From CiU to Junts: A Story of Adaptation? Reviewing 45 years of party’s change

The role of the Catalan right (CiU- now Junts) has been from a historical perspective a political key actor for regional and national governance in Spain. The party has become a crucial actor again in the Spanish legislative arena, as the new left-wing coalition minority government has become dependent on their support. Most studies on Spanish politics continue to conceptualize Junts as the natural successor of CiU, the former mainstream Catalan center-right party. Nevertheless, we argue that relevant differences exist, which deserve careful examination. This article seeks to understand the evolution of the Catalan center-right over the last 45 years by examining four dimensions: (1) shifts in organization and leadership; (2) adjustments in policy positions; (3) transformations in electoral bases; and (4) implication in Spain’s governance. Through this examination, we argue that the party has navigated distinct phases. The initial Christian Democracy phase (1980-2010), where CiU has been crucial for determining both left and right-wing national governments in exchange for policy devolution. A following Niche Party phase (2010-2023), where territorial conflict and the independentist attempt fractured the party organization and leadership. Finally, in the ongoing Adaptation phase (2023-), navigating a tension between evolving into a Catch-All party and retaining elements of the old CiU. These tensions unfold within the backdrop of heightened party competition in Catalonia, affected by the upcoming 2024 elections in the region.