In the midst of the Spanish Civil War, Lluis Companys made a pivotal move to reshape the Generalitat de Catalunya by inviting both the Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista (POUM) and the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) into the government. This decision was made in response to the pressing need for a cohesive leftist front against the Nationalist forces led by Francisco Franco. The inclusion of the POUM, a Marxist socialist party, and the CNT, known for its anarcho-syndicalist beliefs, signified an important shift towards a broader coalition intended to bolster the republican cause in Catalonia.

The reshuffling was particularly significant as it attempted to unify various revolutionary currents that had emerged since the beginning of the conflict. With the war intensifying, Companys aimed to consolidate power and resources among the leftist factions, which ranged from moderate republicans to radical socialists and anarchists. This coalition was seen as crucial for maintaining order and support among the working classes, who had been significantly mobilized in response to the Civil War. Furthermore, it reflected the complexities of leftist politics in Catalonia, with differing ideologies attempting to find common ground in the fight against fascism.

The new government arrangement was a response to the chaotic conditions in Barcelona, where street fighting and political turmoil were rampant. By bringing the CNT and POUM into the fold, Companys aimed to stabilize the region and improve the efficiency of the Generalitat’s governance. However, this coalition would eventually encounter significant challenges, as ideological disagreements surfaced and trust among factions began to wane. Ultimately, this move represented both an effort to strategically align forces against Franco and a foreshadowing of the struggles that would arise within the leftist movement itself during the war.