The coming 2017 promises to be rich in important political events, and one of the most interesting places in this regard, the Kingdom of Spain can become. Its northeastern Autonomous Region has long been on the news for its drive to disconnect from the rest of the country, and it is in 2017 that this process may reach its climax and denouement.
In this article, we have tried to provide answers to the most important questions related to the process Catalan independence struggle from Spain.
Why Catalonia is striving for independence
1. History.
Catalonia finally became part of the unified Spain not so long ago, a little over 300 years ago, and this accession cannot be called voluntary. Even at the end of the 17th century, the lands of Catalonia and Aragon, although subordinate to the Madrid court, remained largely independent territories.
During the War of the Spanish Succession (1699-1714), the Catalans supported the representative of the Habsburg dynasty, Archduke Charles, and thus became the personal enemies of the victorious Philip of Anjou of the Bourbon dynasty. After capturing Barcelona in fierce battles, Philip V decides to punish the Catalans demonstratively and takes a series of very harsh repressive measures. Completely liquidated local government, the official use of the Catalan language is prohibited, the university is closed in Barcelona and a huge military citadel is erected, designed to control the city and suppress the imminent uprisings against the invaders. For the Catalans comes dark time- a century and a half of repression and humiliation, which never helped the Madrid authorities to achieve main goal: the proud and stubborn people did not accept. He harbored a grudge for centuries, and the desire to achieve freedom became part of the national genetic code every new generation of Catalans.
The bombing of Barcelona by Spanish troops. 1842 year
2. Economy.
As you know, there is no politics without it. From an economic point of view, Catalonia is undoubtedly the main economic engine of Spain. It is the largest economy of all 17 autonomous regions, and Catalan GDP per capita is 20% higher than the Spanish average. A significant part of this wealth is redistributed in favor of the poor agricultural regions of the country - Andalusia, Galicia, Extremadura, etc., providing them with a completely acceptable standard of living. Practical and tight-fisted Catalans have not been satisfied with this situation for a long time, but all their proposals to reform the Spanish tax system towards greater independence of the regions were categorically rejected.
3. Politics.
For most of its history, Spain has been an absolutist monarchy with a single center of decision-making. This heavy legacy of absolutism is firmly entrenched in the DNA of Spanish politicians, who even today seek to regulate even the smallest nuances of life in the regions from Madrid. Without the permission of the central government, Catalonia cannot build the roads it needs and buy electric trains for local lines. Despite the fact that two-thirds of the country's economy is provided by the coast - the Mediterranean and the north (Atlantic) - all the main transport routes go through semi-desert regions through the center of the country, so God forbid not to pass Madrid. The second and third cities of the country - Barcelona and Valencia - do not have a modern railway connection and a free road between them, but from almost every provincial town there is an ultra-modern high-speed train to Madrid and a free autobahn to it. Guess who is sponsoring all this?
4. Language, culture and self-identification.
The Catalan language, miraculously preserved after two and a half centuries of repression and prohibition, is an inviolable shrine for most Catalans. And nevertheless, attacks on him by the authorities of the country do not stop to this day.
The government and the Spanish Constitutional Court stubbornly refuse to recognize the Catalans as a nation with its right to self-determination, although by all generally accepted criteria they are such, having their own language, territory of compact residence and national self-identification.
Political situation in Catalonia
Catalan process of struggle for independence has been increasing for over 10 years. In 2010, the Spanish Constitutional Court overturned several important provisions of the Statute, the main legislative act of the autonomy, supported by the majority of Catalans in a referendum, and this became a detonator of separatist sentiments in the region. For 6 years, the number of supporters of independence has grown several times, now it is exactly half of the population of Catalonia, and the upward trend continues.
The extremely unfortunate ostrich position of the central authorities, stubbornly pretending that nothing is happening, also does not contribute to the solution of the Catalan problem, and everything is calm in Baghdad, that is, Barcelona.
Since 2012, Catalans have been gathering for annual multi-million dollar rallies in support of independence, and the word “referendum”, which is scary for the Madrid ear, is increasingly heard.
Following the elections to the Catalan parliament in September 2016, the supporters of independence managed to win a parliamentary majority and form a government, which immediately declared its main goal to be referendum on the separation of Catalonia from Spain. A time maximum of 18 months was indicated, during which the question of the future status of the region should be decided.
It looks like the moment of truth is coming. Catalan politicians understand that delaying the process can be fatal for him, and that it is necessary to forge the iron while it is hot. Threats from the Spanish government, which outlaws all actions of the Independentists and opens one against them trial after another, cease to be a deterrent.
The prospect of a referendum in 2017
On holding in 2017 has not yet been officially announced, but the President of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, in his last speeches made it clear several times that the decision has been made and it will take place no later than September of this year. (Clarification: The referendum is scheduled for October 1, 2017.)
According to polls public opinion, its holding is almost unanimously supported by the Catalans - over 70% believe that it should take place, and 60% are ready to come to the vote, even if the Spanish government declares it illegal.
Carles Puigdemont and his soldiers
The intransigence of the Madrid authorities is beginning to play into the hands of the Catalans: the official ban on the referendum will lead to the fact that the adherents of a united Spain will simply not come to it, and the supporters of independence will win with a confident score. A stalemate when it is not clear what is worse for Madrid - to prohibit or permit the plebiscite.
Epilogue
The political conflict between Catalonia and Spain is best illustrated National symbols these two peoples: the imperious and aggressive Castilian fighting bull is opposed by the calm but very stubborn Catalan donkey. The long-eared workaholic waited a long time for him to be offered a carrot, but instead received only a whip, and his patience ran out. The donkey rebelled against the bull. He rebelled like a donkey - quietly, peacefully and stubbornly.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Many Barcelona fans support Catalan independence
Throughout recent years one of the most titled football clubs in the world - Barcelona - has shown itself in different ways in the issue of independence of Catalonia. But the position of the club cannot be called indifferent.
The club's emblem bears the Catalan flag, which has become one of the main symbols of the referendum on the independence of the autonomous region, which is to be held on October 1.
The Spanish authorities called it illegal and promised not to allow the vote. Police detained several Catalan officials and seized documents for the referendum.
All this raises several fundamental questions for the club.
Firstly, will the Spanish Premier League be left without one of the most famous clubs in the event that Catalonia does gain independence?
Secondly, what about El Classico, the famous confrontation between Real Madrid and Barcelona? So far, the Catalans are only slightly ahead of their main rival, with 95 wins against 91.
Image copyright AFP Image caption During the next rally for independence, Barcelona provided the participants with its stadiumThe club's management insists that it is not involved in politics. The club has no position either on the independence of Catalonia, or on which league to play in if the region does separate from Spain.
However, in 2014 Barcelona signed the National Pact of the Choice Movement. It unites political parties and non-political organizations supporting the independence referendum.
On Wednesday, after the arrest of members of the regional government, the club issued an openly political statement in which it stood up for "democracy, freedom of speech and the right to self-determination."
No matter how events unfold in the next few days or months, judging by the behavior of Barcelona, the team is confident that they can always choose the league in which they will continue to play. Even if Catalonia gains independence, Spain simply does not want to lose Barcelona, according to the club.
“We will play in the same league as Espanyol,” said Carles Vilarrubi, Barcelona's vice-president recently, referring to another football club in the Catalan capital, whose fans prefer Spain.
In response, Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish Professional Football League, which organizes the national Premier League matches, declared that "Barcelona will not be able to choose where to play if Catalonia starts secession."
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Football club I am sure that his reputation and star status will allow them to independently choose which league to play inA source in the club told the BBC that there will be no clearer official statement from Barcelona, because so far it comes about "hypothetical development of events".
According to the source, "if the separation of Catalonia becomes real, then the club will have to take into account the opinion of the players and fans before making a final decision."
"Plus," he continued. "With all due respect, Barcelona are one of the strongest brands in world football. And any league will be honored to host us, including the Spanish."
Spanish MP Gabriel Rufan, representing the Catalan Republican Left, said Barça's presence in the Spanish league was just as inappropriate as Monaco playing in the French league.
Few seem to be willing to accept the fact that the Catalan league will have one of the best clubs in the world.
It is difficult to imagine a Sunday match in which Lionel Messi and the semi-professional defenders of Catalan clubs meet.
“As a fan of football and sports in general, I cannot imagine the Spanish league without Barcelona,” said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
Between Spain and Catalonia - another outbreak of mutual enmity, implicated in the centuries-old desire of the Catalans to live independently of the Spaniards. The Spanish newspaper El País learned that the Generalitat (government) of Catalonia has already developed a mechanism for the "immediate separation" of this historic area from the rest of Spain in case official Madrid interferes with the independence referendum in Catalonia. The decision to organize the referendum was adopted by the Catalan parliament back in October 2016. But the exact date of the Generalitat of Catalonia "reserved", that is, it is kept secret. According to some reports, the referendum may take place on September 24 or October 1 this year.
Secret law
El País reports that it has "gained access to a secret draft of the Law on Legal Transition, also called the Severance Law." "We are talking," the newspaper notes, "about a document that will be used as an interim Catalan constitution. It will be in effect for two months, while the Catalan parliament will implement the constitutional process, which will end with the creation." parliamentary republic"Catalonia".
And here is the main quote from the secret project, which is quoted by El País: "If the Spanish state effectively obstructs the referendum, this law will enter into force in full and immediately after the parliament (Catalonia) ascertains the existence of such an obstacle."
El País concludes that Catalonia intends to secede from Spain in any case: "with or without a referendum."
The press does not specify what the "secret draft law" means. We must assume that this is still a project that will turn into law at the right time. The fact is that the Parliament of Catalonia, in which the majority belongs to "independants" (supporters of independence), has already carried out a reform of the rules of procedure of the legislative body, which now allows the adoption of the corresponding laws on independence in the "express style", that is, in one reading. Thus, the legalization of separation from Spain will take no more than 48 hours.
Who is talking about what
Official Madrid does not want to let Catalonia go. The Spaniards have their own historical grounds: they say, Catalonia has been part of the Kingdom of Aragon since the Middle Ages, and therefore Catalonia is Spain.
The Catalans have their reasons. They emphasize historical identity. They emphasize that they speak their Catalan language, which, although it belongs to the group of Romance languages, differs markedly from Spanish. The Catalan language is a real living medium for 7.5 million people. Catalans do not forget their culture, which was raised to the world level by such prominent representatives like Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi.
And, of course, the economy. Catalonia with a population of 16% of general population Spain produces more than a quarter of the country's gross national product, which can be seen from the macroeconomic indicators of the last quarter of 2016.
No one but the Catalans knows what to do
But back to the skirmish between Spanish and Catalan politicians.
© AP Photo / Andre Penner
© AP Photo / Andre Penner
"They are blackmailing the state, democracy and the Spaniards. We do not accept this," said Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, commenting on the publication in El País. According to him, this is the "most serious" thing that he has seen "in his entire political career."
And this, however, is the most serious thing that happened in Spain not only during political career Rahoya. There is a dead-end situation. It threatens to spill over into the deepest internal political crisis that Spain has not seen since civil war 1936 of the year. And official Madrid doesn't really know what to do.
Arrest the leaders of Catalonia, such as the head of the local government, Carles Puigdemont? But how can they be punished? This has already happened and did not lead to the desired results for Madrid. Last time Catalan authorities planned to hold an independence referendum in 2014. But the Spanish Constitutional Court ruled that it was unconstitutional. To let off steam - since the Catalans were eagerly awaiting a plebiscite - the Catalan authorities, backing down, replaced the referendum with a poll of the residents of the region, thereby changing the legal side of the issue, since the poll is not binding. One way or another, in 2014, they supported the complete independence of Catalonia from Spain.
But even the poll was previously declared illegal by the Spanish authorities, and its organizers were punished. The High Court of Catalonia stripped former head Generalitat Artur Masa the right to hold public and elective office for two years and sentenced him to a fine. Other leaders of Catalonia were also punished similarly.
It is extremely unprofitable for the central Spanish authorities to aggravate the situation, to carry out arrests on the eve of the planned referendum. This will create a halo of martyrs for the leaders of Catalonia, and the situation may get out of control even before the referendum. Although, in fact, even now the central Spanish authorities do not really control the situation in Catalonia. After all, the Catalans intend to secede in any case - with or without a referendum.
Arresting all the criminals after the referendum is even more stupid, since the will of the majority of the population of Catalonia will be evident, and central authorities Spain will look like satraps who stifle freedom and democracy.
Only Catalans know what to do. And they do by developing a concrete plan to break with Spain. And they have an advantageous situation - as in the game of tic-tac-toe, when no matter what the opponent makes, you still win with your next move.
A word to the critics
The Spanish press writes that Catalan politicians are now competing in which of them will make the steepest turn, after which there is no return. About a dozen people are said to be working on the development of a project for the withdrawal of Catalonia from Spain. They are led by former Vice President of the Constitutional Court Carles Viver Pi-Sunyer.
Meanwhile, the Spaniards found many holes in secret project Catalan severance law. For example, it is not spelled out there who can become a citizen of Catalonia.
It is unclear which Spanish laws will continue to operate in independent Catalonia and which will automatically end. What will be the fate of the Spanish central government officials who live and work in Catalonia? What will happen to real estate and other property of the Spanish state in Catalonia?
"The authors of this draft law," writes El País, "do not take into account legislative acts and legal reality, as well as issues of gigantic importance and complexity, such as how the new republic will fit into Europe. "
Bye weapons! Hello EU?
Meanwhile, neither side needs to exacerbate the situation to the point where people start thinking about taking up arms. The Prime Minister of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, is trying to soften the situation, however, standing his ground. Recently, he said that the referendum on the independence of Catalonia does not aim to destroy Spain, as Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says. "Our demand fits into the constitutional framework. We are not talking about an attempt to destroy Spain, we are talking about the right of Catalonia to self-determination," said Puigdemont.
Why do Catalans, with all their fighting spirit, want to appear peaceful? They have long stated that in the event of a break with Spain, they would like to remain in the European Union.
This will be problematic in any case after separation. But in the event of armed violence, either from one side or the other, the process of Catalonia's entry into the EU as an independent member will be extremely complicated. Therefore, the "fight of two bulls" is likely to take place on a peaceful plane. Although, of course, nothing can be ruled out.
The European Union itself is watching the battle in the Iberian Peninsula with great wariness. The only official response from the European Commission to the information about a possible referendum was a warning that in case of separation from Spain, Catalonia will not be a member of the EU. In January of this year, the head of the Catalan government, Carles Puigdemont, visited the European Parliament to put the "Catalan referendum on the agenda" of European structures. But Brussels is not eager to see Catalonia independent, especially as part of the EU outside Spain.
House of cards
So far, the situation is developing in the direction where the final destination - whether Madrid and Brussels like it or not - is the separation of Catalonia from Spain. At the same time, the "Catalonia effect" can play the role of a catalyst for other regions of Europe, where separatist sentiments are active. First, for Great Britain, with its still open question of secession of Scotland. Although the UK itself is leaving the EU, and the issue of its influence on the strength of the European Union is supposedly removed from the agenda, but still ...
Secondly, the separatists in French Corsica can perk up. Third, in Italy, the League of the North is likely to become more active, which for now refuses direct demands for secession and insists on the transformation of Italy into a federation. But this is for now. Fourthly, Belgium, which in no way can solve the question of who is more important - the Flemings or the Walloons - can also fall in two. These are just some vivid examples smoldering separatist sentiments in Europe. In general, under certain circumstances, it may arise on the continent.
Vladislav Kudrik Friday, 27 October 2017, 22:39The Spanish Senate responded by activating Article 155 of the country's Constitution, which in fact takes autonomy from the Catalans. There are no precedents for the application of this article in the history of the state, so it is very difficult to predict what the consequences of the elections in Barcelona and Madrid will be. On critical issues related to Catalonia and how events in Spain may develop further, the Spanishist, candidate historical sciences and the teacher of the history program of the Ukrainian catholic university BOGDAN PLAGUE.
What can be the actions of the Spanish authorities, except? If there is room for negotiation, what do you think will it look like?
Article 155 provides that autonomy is abolished. And this will be the direct control of Catalonia from Madrid. Although in reality this will only mean an aggravation of the situation. Because I think that the Catalan proponents of independence themselves expect this. They hope so, because it will give them the opportunity to mobilize their supporters. It will also give them the opportunity to clearly articulate and use in their rhetoric that Spain is undemocratic, that it restricts the democratic rights of Catalans, and so on.
What consequences will the activation of Article 155 and the proclamation of the independence of Catalonia by secret ballot by only half of the parliament have for Catalonia and Spain, that is atboycotteunionists?
I would see this as a continuation of the crisis, which can be called the Catalan crisis. And which, obviously, cannot be solved at once, because, despite all the reasons and grounds for the declaration of independence and for the enactment of the 155th article of the Constitution, too many politicians intervened in this matter. And here we are also talking about the political future both for the Catalan parties in favor of independence and for the all-Spanish parties. For example, if the Catalan supporters of independence give in, surrendering their interests, then they may lose their votes in the next parliamentary elections. But for the Spanish ruling People's Party (PP), the situation is also to a certain extent beneficial, because this is its rhetoric - that it is necessary to protect a united Spain. Whereas the left, their current opposition, on the contrary, admits the possibility of negotiations with Catalonia, a new political pact. For example, there were words that it might be necessary to reformat Spain into republican form rule, that is, they kind of contributed to this split of the country. In the next elections, both the Catalan supporters of independence can, by radicalizing the situation, increase the number of votes in their favor, as well as the Spanish right.
Catalan officials have warned that if Article 155 is activated, they will not follow orders from Madrid, even low-level officials. Will this really be the case and is it possible to use any forceful scenario against Barcelona?
The Catalans have said before that if Madrid does not listen to them and limits their rights, they will resort to an action of civil disobedience. And, in fact, the failure to comply with the orders of Madrid will be one of the forms of action of disobedience. I have no doubt that such actions will take place and such defiance will take place. The only question is how widespread this phenomenon will be, how many of these officials will support and not support Madrid's actions. For example, since the referendum on October 1, we saw the situation with the local police Mossos, which actually split into two groups - some carried out the orders of the autonomous government, others refused and submitted to Madrid.
Since the referendum, Catalonia, in your opinion, has moved away from independence? Or does it still have about the same chances of achieving it?
I think that the supporters of independence have achieved their goal, and this allowed them to mobilize and quite clearly define their adherents. But at the same time, the opponents of independence were defined, and quite clearly. Despite the fact that I have said more than once that the Catalans have grounds for their independence, because it is a modern nation, but also do not forget that at least half of the population lives in Catalonia itself, which is against independence. Another thing is that she is not mobilized, she is silent. But this also has to be reckoned with, because independence not only outlined and activated the supporters of independence, it also activated the opponents of independence. We see it during last month on promotions that take place in Catalonia itself and other regions of Spain.
Why did the Catalan authorities not agree to an immediate declaration of independence immediately after the referendum? Did they have no such intention or did they still hope to achieve something in the negotiations with Madrid? And if such an expectation existed, why did they not take into account the rather harsh reaction during the referendum itself? After all, it was clear that Madrid was not ready for these concessions.
One gets the impression that none of the parties wants to radicalize the situation so that it comes to some kind of armed conflict, bloodshed, and so on. On the other hand, I have the impression that the Catalan champions of independence were hoping for a different reaction from the European Union and individual European states, which they did not hear, because the position of the European Commission and the leading leaders of the united Europe was categorically for Madrid, for the preservation of the unity of Spain. On the other hand, they thus hoped to actualize the issue of a new political reform and the reformatting of Spain, such as the transformation of the state into a federal republic. And this did not happen. Therefore, the situation is dragging on. Although it was predicted. The Catalan crisis is a long-term issue and cannot be resolved so quickly.
Of course. But now the question will be how to apply this solution, how to implement this direct control. After all, the 155th article of the Constitution will be used for the first time, the Spanish government does not have such experience. And it is not known what methods the Spanish officials are ready to resort to in order to bring this plan to life. I am sure that they will beware of radical actions, the use of force, because the events themselves on the day of the referendum on October 1 showed that the Catalans are very good at using this to their advantage. They showed themselves as civilians, their actions were peaceful, and the "bad and cruel" Madrid resorted to beating, and this only gave them the opportunity to mobilize new supporters.
Why Barcelona Rejected the Announcement Option early elections to the Catalan parliament? There are rumors that this happened because Barcelona was not given clear guarantees that Article 155 would not apply. Perhaps you have other options?
It was suggested The Socialist Party, which is not part of the group of parties supporters of independence, and this has somewhat led away from the main goal - from independence itself. Now the new elections are irrelevant for them, for example, they can be used by their opponents to show that independence did not happen. I think that the Catalan pro-independence parties are not sure of their new victory, because so far they have not managed to achieve any greater goal. Although, as a way to once again mobilize our adherents, we cannot rule out it. With the introduction of Article 155, further restoration of autonomy should take place subject to new parliamentary elections.
Throughout last weeks we see a constant struggle between the Madrid and Catalan authorities for the votes of the opposition parties at the Pan-Spanish and Catalan levels. How will recent events affect the positions of these parties?
Obviously they will. They are already influencing. For example, if the ruling People's Party consistently adhered to the position of the unity of Spain, did not allow any options for even expanding autonomy, then the left parties, in particular Podemos, even admitted the possibility of negotiations with the Catalans and reformatting Spain. It can be expected that in the event of new elections to the General Cortes (parliament, - "Apostrophe") of Spain, the left will lose their votes - and not only Podemos, which so far had a quarter of parliamentary deputies, but also the largest opposition party, the Socialist the Labor Party (PSOE), which was forced to come to an agreement with the People's Party, to succumb to its pressure to support this idea of the Catalan independence movement. It will also affect her electorate.
What, in your opinion, does the head of the government of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, have the chances of repeating the fate of his predecessor, Arthur Mas? Will he be removed, possibly prosecuted after today's vote?
The chances of this are great, but we must remember that the chairman of the government is one person, this is public person, which falls to announce certain decisions, but the decision was still made by the parliamentary majority of Catalonia. Therefore, this is a collective responsibility, although this collective responsibility will require great restrictions in rights for Catalans, so the sacrifice of Puigdemont may be one of the simplest solutions to this crisis.
- Will this really be a solution to the crisis?
I don't think this will be a solution, but many in Spain, I think, would like it. Let's, they say, we start from the beginning, this responsibility will be on Puigdemon, but we continue to work, announce new elections and so on.
Summing up, what will be the significance of the declaration of independence by the Parliament of Catalonia? Did this bring the Catalans closer to their goal?
Probably, it brought it closer, because there is a solution. The question is whether it will be possible to implement it. This is already a new political reality and a new political position, which the Madrid authorities will have to reckon with. The successors to independence will not go anywhere, independent parties exist and already have another page in the history of their movement for independence. And they will also use it as a mobilization resource, as a way to unite their supporters. And this additional opportunity criticize Madrid for being "anti-democratic".
Will the Catalan experience really be extremely important for other separatist regions and the future of the EU? Or is further fragmentation of states an inevitable process?
I am not a supporter of immediately transferring the Catalan experience to other so-called "separatist regions". Nor is he a supporter of the use of this term "separatist region". The fact is that the Catalan movement is a separatist movement, but we must remember that it contains key difference from many similar movements in other countries Western Europe... The Catalan nation as a modern nation took shape in the first half of the 19th century. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been political parties that clearly declare the need for autonomy and independence. This movement is quite massive. These parties in local and Spanish elections received a large number of votes have won over the past ten years. If you find a similar example in another Western European country, then we can talk about some other separatist regions besides Catalonia. But there are no such examples. Catalonia is the exception rather than one example.
As for the EU, it is obviously a rather complex institution. This is a big bureaucracy that works very slowly. It must be reformed. And it must respond to the challenges of the time, and not only preserve the situation. For example, it can be reformatted from a union of states into a union of peoples, nations or a union of regions, which can resolve this situation with separatism.
Vladislav KudrikFound a mistake - highlight and press Ctrl + Enter
There was a time when the inhabitants Iberian Peninsula stood at the head of one of the greatest empires throughout history. Thanks to the successes of the conquistador conquerors, European civilization was forever entrenched in the New World. But Spanish gold quickly faded, and the American colonies gained independence. In 2017, the collapse of the remnants of the empire seems to be coming to an end, and it is no longer surprising why Catalonia wants to secede from Spain. It's more interesting why this is happening right now.
What is Catalonia in Spain?
In the mass consciousness, the toponym "Catalonia" is associated only with the local football culture, which is one of the strongest in the world.
It will not be superfluous to give a more complete picture of this province:
- Currently, the territory has the status autonomy, first approved back in 1932 and radically updated in 2006;
- The standard of living is extremely high. Nominal GDP is $ 255 billion, per capita - $ 33.6 thousand (for Russia, the same indicator is $ 8.83 thousand);
- The history of Catalonia goes back over a thousand years: the first state formations appeared on its territory back in 988. In 1137 it came under the influence of Spain (the kingdom of Aragon), and since then the countries have followed a common historical path;
- The population is nearly 7.5 million. The vast majority of them live in Barcelona (over 5 million), a world-class metropolis;
- More than half of the population is of the Catholic faith. One in five identified himself as an atheist;
- The interlanguage layout is as follows: 46% and 36% named, respectively Spanish and Catalan native languages.
2017 Spanish Constitutional Crisis
In past years, Catalan nationalists have already attempted to unauthorized state border... But in 2017, the separatist movement gained such a scale that it provoked constitutional crisis in the country:
- On September 6, the parliament of the autonomy appointed a referendum with unprecedented conditions: to leave the country, you need a simple majority of votes, without a voter threshold;
- Pro-Hispanic forces have called for a boycott of the event. The referendum ruling was invalidated by the Constitutional Court on 7 September;
- The decision of the judicial authorities was received with hostility by the Catalan municipalities, which began to provide the upcoming event with all possible logistical support;
- To prevent the referendum from taking place, the central authorities announced the Anubis police operation on 13 September. Within its framework, law enforcement officers confiscated ballot boxes and propaganda leaflets, delayed government officials who disobeyed the imperative;
- Despite all the efforts of the Spaniards, the vote still took place on October 1, 2017. 5.3 million voters came to the polling stations (turnout 42.34%). 91.96% were in favor of independence. However, the results were refused to be recognized by the EU, UN and the Council of Europe.
Why does Catalonia need independence?
Then, why should any other country. To ensure supremacy in internal and independence in external affairs... Other benefits voiced by nationalists include:
- The central government is unable to cope with the structural socio-economic crisis. Residents of Russia can only envy the problems of Europeans, but accustomed to more high level life Catalans make high claims to the authorities;
- Gaining independence will help you take better care of own language and not to experience the assimilation effect of Madrid;
- Tens of millions of dollars in taxes will be saved annually, which Barcelona regularly pays to the central government. This money can be spent with much greater benefit: for example, build new infrastructure facilities;
- In the long term, the standard of living will rise. Sentiments under the slogan “ Stop feeding Madrid!". And more and more ordinary citizens accept it.
Negative consequences of separation
There are also a number of points that the populists decided to keep silent about. However, the separatists must necessarily take into account all difficulties to face independent state (if any):
- Relationships between former roommates will be built in a very dramatic way. Official Madrid made it clear negative attitude to any attempts to gain independence. If they are successful, a visa regime and, perhaps, economic blockade that will hit both countries hard;
- The overwhelming majority of European states support the position of maintaining the territorial integrity of Spain. Geopolitical deserters will have to face collective pressure largest countries EU. There will be an automatic exit from the eurozone;
- The Catalan social security system will sink. In its current form, it is an integral part of the general Spanish. The victory of the separatists will mean a deterioration in the living standards of socially unprotected segments of the population.
However, rational arguments rarely move separatists, and in a dilemma situation, emotions can easily take over.
Why does Catalonia want to secede?
Be that as it may, there are very serious reasons for breaking the centuries-old union of the two peoples:
- Cultural... The closest "relative" to the Catalan language is Provencal (or Occitan), not Spanish at all. It has more than ten million speakers, each proud of his identity;
- Economic... The east of Spain traditionally has a much more developed economy than the west. Long time Madrid pursued a targeted policy of supporting the industry of its “ younger brothers"In the hope of luring them over to their side. It turned out exactly the opposite;
- Historical... Relations between neighbors took place against the backdrop of constant skirmishes, often ending in the blood of civilians;
- Gain popularity anti-catalonism, or a socio-political movement against all manifestations of Catalan identity. In an economic sense, it is expressed in a boycott of products from the rebellious province. Politically - in an effort to deprive Catalonia of the status of autonomy (since this calls into question the unity of the whole of Spain).
The great French historian and politician Alexis de Tocqueville, in his Democracy in America, noted that for the stability of political alliances, the center must have superiority over the periphery in terms of the level of organization. If the province is more developed than the metropolis, a rupture is coming. This is the main reason why Catalonia wants to secede from Spain. Modern Barcelona is world wide cultural capital, while the achievements of the Spaniards stopped at the conquests of the conquistadors.
