Candidatura d'Unitat Popular

Mireia Vehí and Quim Arrufat are representatives of the Candidatura d’Unitat Popular (Popular Unity Candidacy, CUP) in Catalonia. The CUP is made up of local assemblies representing towns and neighborhoods, and supports the independence of Catalonia from Spain and France. The highly decentralized nature of the party stems from a belief in eco-socialism and libertarian socialism. The importance given to municipal assemblies is also meant to avoid the hierarchical organization of most traditional political parties. During the most recent elections the CUP won 10 of 135 seats in the Catalan parliament. Vehí has studied Sociology and Women, Gender and Citizenship, and is currently a member of the Catalonin parliament. Prior to her candidacy, she has been engaged with political and activist organizations for many years, specializing in immigration issues, human rights, gender, and multiculturalism. She has been particularly involved in campaigns demanding the closure of Immigrant Detention Centers. Arrufat studied Political Science and Public Administration and has further been working for the International Centre for Minorities CIEMEN. He has been an active advocate for the right of self-determination at the World Social Forum and the Human Rights Council of the UN.