Artur Mas

Mas was elected as the 129th President of the Government of Catalonia, succeeding Jos

After a large pro-independence demonstration on September 11, 2012, Mas shifted his political position from autonomy to supporting Catalan independence. He called early elections and campaigned on a platform of self-determination, marking a major change in Catalan politics.

Mas's government organized a non-binding consultation on Catalan independence on November 9, 2014, despite a Spanish constitutional court suspension. Over 2.3 million people participated, with 80% voting for independence. The event was symbolic but led to legal charges against Mas.

Mas stepped down as President of Catalonia to facilitate the election of Carles Puigdemont as his successor, after failing to secure enough support for his own re-election. This move allowed the pro-independence coalition to continue its agenda.

Mas was convicted of disobedience for organizing the 2014 consultation and banned from holding public office for two years. The ban effectively ended his political career, though he remained influential in the independence movement.