Disenchantment and weariness: Catalan separatists struggle to use Tour de France to revive their fight in Barcelona

Catalan independence supporters struggled to leverage the Tour de France for their cause, with planned demonstrations in Barcelona drawing minimal participation. Several organizations had called for protests along the race route on July 4, hoping to reignite the independence movement. However, the calls were largely unmet, mirroring a broader trend of waning public enthusiasm for independence in the region.

The lack of significant turnout suggests a growing "disenchantment" and "weariness" among those who once actively supported the cause. The Tour de France, often seen as a platform for political expression, failed to galvanize the expected support, highlighting the challenges faced by independence advocates in mobilizing the public.

This muted response indicates a shift in the regional political landscape, where the once-vibrant independence movement appears to be losing momentum. The failure to capitalize on a high-profile international event like the Tour de France underscores the difficulties ahead for groups seeking to revive popular support for Catalan independence.