Àngels Martínez Castells, a prominent Catalan economist, politician, and activist, passed away on September 1, 2024. Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment to social justice, economic equality, and the defense of Catalan sovereignty. This blog post will delve into her life, career, and contributions to the Catalan political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 9, 1948, in Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona, Àngels Martínez Castells developed a deep-rooted passion for social justice from a young age. She pursued her academic interests at the University of Barcelona, where she earned a doctorate in economics. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future career as an economist and her involvement in political activism.

A Career in Economics and Politics

Martínez Castells’s professional career was marked by her contributions to the field of economics. She held academic positions at the University of Barcelona, where she taught political economy. Her expertise in economics provided her with a valuable perspective on economic policies and their impact on society.

Martínez Castells’s political career began in the 1980s when she became involved in the Catalan Nationalist Party (PNC). She later joined the Initiative for Catalonia (IC), a left-wing political party. In the 2015 Catalan elections, she was elected to the Parliament of Catalonia as a representative of the coalition Catalunya Sí que es Pot.

A Champion of Social Justice

Àngels Martínez Castells was a fierce advocate for social justice and economic equality. She was deeply concerned about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the erosion of public services. Her political activism was driven by a desire to create a more just and equitable society.

One of Martínez Castells’s most notable contributions was her involvement in the 15-M movement, a grassroots social movement that emerged in Spain in 2011. She played a key role in mobilizing citizens to demand greater democracy and social justice. Her participation in 15-M demonstrated her commitment to grassroots activism and her belief in the power of collective action.

A Defender of Catalan Sovereignty

Martínez Castells was a passionate defender of Catalan sovereignty. She was a vocal critic of the Spanish government’s policies towards Catalonia and supported the Catalan independence movement. Her involvement in the Catalan independence movement was rooted in her belief in the right of the Catalan people to self-determination.

In October 2017, Martínez Castells made headlines when she removed Spanish flags from the Catalan Parliament chamber during a heated debate. Her actions were seen as a symbolic gesture of defiance against the Spanish government and a reaffirmation of Catalan sovereignty.

Legacy

Àngels Martínez Castells’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to social justice, economic equality, and Catalan sovereignty. Her contributions to the Catalan political landscape and her unwavering belief in the power of collective action will continue to inspire future generations of activists.

Conclusion

Àngels Martínez Castells was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fighting for a better world. Her legacy will be remembered for her intellectual brilliance, her unwavering commitment to social justice, and her unwavering belief in the power of collective action.