A diary of the trip to the JERC conference in Barcelona by Fflur Arwel
In August 2014, Plaid Cymru Ifanc Youth received an invitation by the Young Republican Left of Catalonia (JERC) to a conference on democracy in Catalunya that would take place between the 5th and 7th of September 2014. Daniel Rhys Roberts and myself were chosen as delegates, and below is a diary I wrote of our trip to Barcelona!
“From Cardiff to Catalunya” (Thursday, September 4th 2014)
It was still dark when I awoke on that Thursday morning in September. Dawn had begun to slowly stretch across the horizon in slivers of pink and blue but – unlike me, the sun still had a few winks left before it would rise. But I had quite a journey ahead of me today!
It was strange seeing such a busy city seem so quiet and subdued as if the cares and affairs of the day ahead had not yet taken hold. In the same way, the cares of the next few days ahead had not yet come to pass for me and all the adventures and all the people I was soon to meet were just possibilities in the air.
Grey clouds loomed overhead as we boarded the plane at Bristol airport and I myself nervous but yet full of anticipation for what lay ahead over the course of the next three days.
But if the sky was cloudy in Bristol, the sun shone happily in distant Barcelona as the plane gracefully touched down on Catalan ground and it really felt as if we were stepping from one world into another.
One of the members of JERC had arranged to meet us at the airport and sure enough at the entrance we saw someone waving a JERC banner ready to welcome us! We introduced ourselves as the delegates from Plaid Cymru Youth and he in his turn introduced himself as Max.
From the get go, the JERC crew were so obliging and friendly with us. Max gave us a lift from the airport to the middle of the city where the hostel they had arranged for us was situated. We talked at length in the car on the topic of the conference and understood that eight countries in total would be represented. Wales and Catalunya of course, and then delegates from Norway (‘Red Youth’ or ‘Raud Ungdom’), Denmark (SFU), Ireland (Sinn Fein Republican Youth), Galicia (Galiza Nova), Finland (Youth Left of Finland or ‘Vasemmistonouret’), Greece (Syri) and also the from the Basque Country (Gazte Abertzaleak).
After arriving at the hostel and making ourselves comfortable we had the opportunity to wander and to go for a few drinks with Max in a bar nearby. Over a pint, we discussed our situation here in Wales – the way that devolution has by now shaped our political narrative and the way we are continually underfunded by the Westminster government. We also asked Max about the situation in Catalonia who explained that the situation was quite complicated. At the moment, they were fighting for the right to hold a referendum on independence – something that Spain refused to give them. By now of course, a consultative referendum has been held and was a resounding success with 81% of those who voted voting in favour of Catalonian independence. Spain refused to acknowledge the legality of the vote and called it ‘non-binding’ and to this day refuse to give Catalonia the ‘legal’ right to decide.
“The Conference Begins!” (Friday, September 5th 2014 )
That night, three other delegates arrived – two from Finland and one from Greece and, after sleeping away the previous day’s journey, we said ‘hello’ to our new friends! After lunch we decided to go for a walk and wandered down the long strip of La Rambla, down narrow streets to the sea beside Plaça de Pau Vila where the scent of coffee and fresh seafood filled the air.
We chatted along the way about politics and the current situations of our countries and parties alike, and I thought to myself how wonderful it was to meet young people of the same generation who shared similar ideas but came from different countries with different histories.
Then, came the hour to make our way to the headquarters of Esquerra and JERC for the presentation by JERC members to the newly arrived delegates. The JERC crew gave us a quick tour of the HQ. On a wall in one of the offices at the HQ there was a rather striking poster that declared La Independència és possible (Independence is Possible). I thought then – of course, by declaring these words with such confidence it is possible to turn it from an idea into a reality. Truly, by declaring these words we turn it from an idea into reality. It provokes discussion and almost forces people to question and challenge the status quo and this is exactly what we could be doing! 
After the tour, some of the JERC crew – Ariadna Jou and Gerard Gomez, gave us a short introduction to the purpose of the conference and a brief outline of the present situation of Catalonia and JERC. The main focus of the conference was of course to be a discussion on democracy and the right to decide and self-govern – very fitting of course considering that the Spanish State refuses to give Catalonia any right to decide her future.
Whilst listening to their presentation I could not help but admire JERC and the means in which they succeeded in creating a sense of excitement and buzz within their organization and across the movement. I admired greatly the passion they held over their cause and the future of their country, and the means in which they spoke confidently with such eloquence.
“Youth for Democratic Revolution!” (Saturday, September 6th 2014)
The sun rose to shine across the city the next morning as we made our way to the hall where the conference – ‘Youth for Democratic Revolution’ would take place. The conference was opened by Ariadna Jou and Ruben Borrás of JERC and then every delegate from every party had the opportunity to introduce themselves and offer a brief background of the current political situation in their country and of their party. Truly, one of the most interesting aspects of the trip was the wonderful opportunity we had to meet other young delegates from left-wing parties from all over Europe. Interesting too was the fact that delegates came not only from stateless nations but also from independent nations or states as well.
We were then sorted into groups to discuss in greater depth. The first topic was to be a discussion of democratic systems in each country and in Europe. The discussions certainly provided food for thought as we questioned just how democratic was each country in truth? The discussion then proceeded on to ‘Democratic Movements’ and which movements had influenced the Europe we live in today.
Following a long lunch a workshop was held to discuss democracy, their right to decide their own futures, and also the Catalan case. An extensive and in-depth discussion was had and everyone had an opportunity to input ideas to reach the final aim of assembling a document to summarize all that was discussed in the conference.
One particular sentence that struck me during the discussions was when Ariadna described the means in which they saw independence as a ‘tool’ for ultimate self-government, whilst stating clearly that the fundamental right of the people of any nation is to govern themselves.
Seven points were agreed upon to include in the document which were -
- It is democracy which must control the economy. We need the tools to democratize the economy in favour of the people not of profit.
- We support a cooperation of European nations, so a democratic revolution is needed in order to transform this model and create a fairer and sustainable Europe which really cares about people and not about big companies, banks and lobbies, based on solidarity and cooperation between nations.
- There is a need for a real democracy, more direct, more participative, and more transparent. People have the right to be engaged in political activity, not only promoting the fact of voting, but also in discussion processes to build this real democracy.
- The democratic and social movements in hands of the civil society have the power to change the establishment and the status quo, and are a huge tool to empower the people and make them able to influence in the whole system.
- Society has to be asked regarding the main issues of their nation, making them able to decide and their opinion a reality, always respecting the human rights and democratic principles.
- The right to decide of the peoples is a fundamental democratic right. We do support the right of peoples to decide as well as their right of self-determination. The sovereignty of a nation can be only decided by this nation.
- We do support the right of the Catalan people to vote and decide their own future on the referendum of the 9th of November of 2014. Also the result has to be respected by the international community as a free and democratic decision of the people.
A press conference and a Q + A session was then held to present the document at the end of the day. After that, everyone flocked to the ‘Popular Open Air Dinner’ that had been arranged by JERC to be held on the roof of the Museum D’Historia Catalunya. The air was warm and humid and the sky clear above as the city sparkled all around us, and everyone enjoying the party whilst eating and drinking traditional Catalan food and drink.
And I thought to myself how wonderful all this was. Despite the fact that our political situations in each of our countries can prove difficult and complex, it was wonderful to be able to laugh and socialise and enjoy one another’s company like this.
‘Wandering the City’ (Sunday, September 7th 2014)
The following day the JERC crew had arranged a few more activities for us to bring the weekend to an end. After a leisurely al fresco lunch under the shade of the trees at Parc de la Ciutadella we were given the honour of being given a guided tour of the ‘old city’ by Alfred Bosch – a member of the Spanish Congress for Esquerra.
The centre of the old city is the Gothic Quarter – or the ‘Barri Gòtic’. It’s a beautiful and quieter area of the city with small streets laid out like a labyrinth opening into small secluded squares. Catalonia flags were everywhere you looked and Esquerra posters were plastered onto walls. Alfred Bosch shared the fascinating history of Catalunya as he guided us around with many of the ruins of the old, old city still lingering which made them all the more precious. He also explained to us the significance of their National Day which is held on the 11th of September as a day-long festival. It commemorates the defeat of Catalonia during ‘the War of the Spanish Succession’ and the defeat of the Catalan troops that fought for Catalonia’s freedom at the Siege of Barcelona. After the tour we thanked Alfred Bosch for his time and shook his hand – and he too sent his regards to Jill Evans MEP!
After supper with our Sinn Fein friends we then went to meet up with Emyr who had promised to show us more of the city before we left. We caught the metro from La Rambla and on we travelled to the outskirts of the city, and following a pint at a quiet square we proceeded to climb the mighty ascent of the working class neighbourhood of El Carmel. And having reached the summit the scene before us was astounding.
The city stretched out before me so vast and mighty – I could see all of Barcelona from here. The city stood there in front of me – the labour of men in all its glory – the lingering long streets, the beauty of Montjuic, the glass office buildings which seemed so out of place next to the timeless towers of the Sagrada Familia. Like spiders, this is what people had weaved and created with their hands – one almighty, grand city.
The summit of the hill was silent with only the sound of distant yelling in the distance and the strength of the city before us still quiet and still. But yet, it was alive with light and life and I knew there were commotion even in the silence of this scene. And sure enough, I will never forget that night of standing on the hill in El Carmel and the city dancing in the stillness of the night and the entire world felt as if it had opened up and everything was possible.
“All good things must end” (Monday, September 8th 2014)
All good things come to an end and finally came the hour for us too to say farewell. Every moment felt like sand slipping through my fingers as we travelled back along the motorway to the airport. From car to plane to bus and before we knew it we were back in Wales where our journey had began.
With my head spinning with weariness and my heart yearning to return to the promise of distant Catalunya, I climbed onto the old Arriva train at Cardiff Central station and dragged my little suitcase onboard. As I sat down in a quiet seat in the midst of the hullabaloo of my fellow passengers, my mind travelled back to the Catalonia sun and to the spirit and hope I had felt there that was almost like a second source of energy for the city.
And I remember feeling a strange mix of bittersweet sadness and happiness but also so terribly grateful to have gone. The trip proved to be fascinating, insightful and quite an eye opener.
We were given the chance to socialize and exchange ideas and experiences with a diverse group of young people from political left-wing parties across Europe and create potentially long lasting international connections.
JERC and the other young people we met were truly wonderful – they were engaging, thoughtful, and intelligent young people who were full of youthful energy and enthusiasm. They balanced insightful political ideas with comradeship and laughter and we were received with such kind hospitality and I certainly hope we keep in contact with them.
We received such a warm welcome and the conference was highly successful in the way it gave us the chance to socialise – to eat, drink, enjoy, and share ideas with young people from different backgrounds and countries. We were enriched as we listened to their histories, stories, and experiences.
Truly, we were inspired and have been set alight with new ideas for Plaid Cymru Youth. For there is a new age dawning, and we too must be ready to seize control of our own future. To enable this we must provoke a socio-political movement for the youth of Wales on a national scale. The youth of Wales are her future. There is room here to find our own voice and to contribute to the growth of a new and young movement for independence for Wales too.
