Francesc Macià

About

Francesc Macià i Llussà was a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Catalan politics. Born in 1859 in Valls, near Tarragona, he initially pursued a military career, rising to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Spanish Army. However, his involvement in politics began after he left the army in 1906 following a controversial incident involving Catalan publications. Macià co-founded the Estat Català party in 1922, advocating for Catalan independence. His political career gained momentum during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, leading him into exile and organizing an armed uprising in 1926. Macià's most notable moment came in 1931 when he proclaimed the Catalan Republic, envisioning it as part of an Iberian Federation. After negotiations with the Spanish government, he accepted autonomy for Catalonia within the Spanish Republic, becoming the first president of the Generalitat of Catalonia. His leadership and vision for a socially just and economically prosperous Catalonia have had a lasting impact on Catalan nationalism. Macià passed away in 1933 while in office, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of Catalan rights and autonomy. His influence continues to shape discussions around Catalan independence and self-determination.