When people think of separatist movements in Spain, Catalonia and the Basque Country usually come to mind.

But a small political organisation has its sights set on something even more ambitious.

Nacion Andaluza, a far-left nationalist movement founded in the 1990s, advocates the creation of a sovereign Andalucian state and ultimately a socialist republic separate from Spain.

The party describes itself as independentist, socialist, feminist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist.

While it remains a fringe force with no representation in Spain’s national parliament or the Andalusian regional government, its ideology places it among the most radical political movements currently active in the region.

‘Andalucia is not Spain’

At the heart of Nacion Andaluza’s programme is the belief that Andalucia constitutes a distinct nation with its own culture, identity, history and people.

The organisation argues that Andalucian identity has been deliberately suppressed through what it describes as centuries of ‘Spanishisation’ and claims Andalucia has remained politically dominated since the Castilian conquest of the region.

Its manifesto goes even further, stating that Andalucia does not form part of Spain and should instead look towards the Mediterranean world as its natural cultural and historical sphere of influence.

A socialist republic

Independence is only part of the project.

Nacion Andaluza also calls for a complete transformation of the economic system.

The party advocates public ownership of land, industry and banking, the abolition of private ownership of the means of production and the establishment of what it describes as worker-led democratic control of the economy.

Its vision would ultimately culminate in the creation of a ‘Federal Socialist Andalusian Republic’, governed according to socialist principles and under the leadership of the working class.

The movement describes capitalism as a form of modern-day exploitation and argues that both national liberation and class struggle are inseparable goals.

Opposition to NATO, the EU and foreign military bases

The party is also strongly critical of the European Union, NATO and what it calls Western imperialism.

Its manifesto argues that Andalucia suffers from a ‘triple imperialist aggression’ through Spanish rule, Britain’s control of Gibraltar and the presence of US military bases at Rota and Moron.

Nacion Andaluza supports the removal of foreign military installations from Andalucian territory and advocates closer links with other Mediterranean peoples and international liberation movements.

Inspired by Blas Infante

Like many strands of Andalucian nationalism, the movement draws heavily on the legacy of Blas Infante, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Andalusian identity.

However, Nacion Andaluza’s interpretation is considerably more radical than that of mainstream Andalusian parties.

The organisation portrays Infante not only as a cultural nationalist but as the ideological precursor to an independent and socialist Andalucia.

Could Andalucia ever become independent?

In practical terms, the chances appear remote.

Support for Andalusian independence remains extremely limited compared with separatist movements in Catalonia or the Basque Country, and most political debate in the region focuses on issues such as housing, employment, tourism and public services rather than sovereignty.

Even so, Nacion Andaluza continues to campaign for what it calls the ‘national and social liberation’ of Andalucía, arguing that the region should one day become a fully independent state with control over its own political and economic future.

For now, it remains a niche movement on the fringes of Andalucian politics.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.