Catalonia leader vows 2017 referendum on Spain independence

[Loki]

Catalonia leader vows 2017 referendum on Spain independence



Spain's Catalonia region seems set on a new collision course with Madrid after a vow by its leader to hold an independence referendum in 2017.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont promised a "legal and binding" vote in his televised New Year's speech.

A consultative ballot in 2014, which recorded a large majority for independence, was ignored by Spain.

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has again ruled out the possibility of a referendum.

Embracing Spain's second city, Barcelona, Catalonia is one of the country's richest regions.

Separatist sentiment has built into a mass movement over the past five years, promoting a distinct Catalan identity which goes back centuries.

In his video address (in Catalan), Mr Puigdemont said: "We Catalans will freely decide our own future through a legal and binding referendum."



Such a vote is expected to take place in September, based on a resolution passed by the Catalan parliament, where separatists hold a majority of seats.

Speaking on Friday, PM Rajoy said: "It is not possible to hold a referendum that will do away with national sovereignty and the equality of Spaniards.

"This is not going anywhere, I'm offering something which is a lot more reasonable - dialogue. I ask that no more steps are taken in the opposite direction."

Mr Rajoy and his conservative Popular Party recently won opposition support to rule as a minority government following an inconclusive general election in June.

Catalan officials involved in holding the outlawed 2014 ballot have since faced sanctions or trial.

[LieDetector]

interesting

[Lluna Plena]

The independence day will arrive soon....

Visca Catalunya!!

[LieDetector]

Catalonia for Catalans

[Colonel Frank Grimes]

When the economy was doing fine talk of separation was a fringe movement. The economy tanks and suddenly it's 'lets have our own country' by a larger element of Catalan society as if that will solve their economic woes. I'd be supportive if there was consistency. More than a century ago there was a similar situation: Spain loses Cuba as a colony and as a consequence Catalan business monopoly on the Cuban sugar trade ends. The economy begins to tank and suddenly there is calls for independence. The economy improves when the rest of Europe goes off to fight in WW1. Talk of independence goes back to the fringe. It's a 'what have you done for me lately' political movement.

[Melki]

Catalonia for Catalans

And Indiana for Indians

[Mingle]

If Spain had held a referendum a few years ago when separatism wasn't as strong, then Catalonia would have voted no and this wouldn't be that big of an issue anymore. But now Catalan separatism is stronger than ever and they have a very realistic chance of independence. Although it will be interesting to see what will happen to separatist parties if Catalonia votes no.

A hypothetical independence may hurt Catalonia economically in terms of immediate consequences because they will have to make trade deals again and their progress will be hindered by Spain (and her allies), but in the long term they will recover.

[Melki]

If Spain had held a referendum a few years ago when separatism wasn't as strong, then Catalonia would have voted no and this wouldn't be that big of an issue anymore. But now Catalan separatism is stronger than ever and they have a very realistic chance of independence. Although it will be interesting to see what will happen to separatist parties if Catalonia votes no.

A hypothetical independence may hurt Catalonia economically in terms of immediate consequences because they will have to make trade deals again and their progress will be hindered by Spain (and her allies), but in the long term they will recover.

Separatism has been strong in Spain since the "People's Spring" of 1848, and particularly after Franco's death in 1975.
Now independentism it's stronger than ever in Catalonia because Spain is going through hard times because the economy is low and wealthy Catalonians are sick to pay for the poorest Spanish regions.

What I can't explain, though, is why the Basques (the Basque Country is the wealthiest region of Spain with Catalonia) are so quiet. Terrorism was a real bother 40-30-20 years ago. I grew up with the terrorism.
The Abertzale (patriots) have always been radical. It's obviously a good thing to live in peace, but the independence movement, even in a peaceful manner, is incredibly weak, now.

It should be the right moment for the Basques to fall into step with Catalonia.

[Mingle]

Separatism has been strong in Spain since the "People's Spring" of 1848, and particularly after Franco's death in 1975.
Now independentism it's stronger than ever in Catalonia because Spain is going through hard times because the economy is low and wealthy Catalonians are sick to pay for the poorest Spanish regions.

What I can't explain, though, is why the Basques (the Basque Country is the wealthiest region of Spain with Catalonia) are so quiet. Terrorism was a real bother 40-30-20 years ago. I grew up with the terrorism.
The Abertzale (patriots) have always been radical. It's obviously a good thing to live in peace, but the independence movement, even in a peaceful manner, is incredibly weak, now.

It should be the right moment for the Basques to fall into step with Catalonia.

https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-eu...dence-nowadays

[Melki]

https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-eu...dence-nowadays

I sstumbled on a similar article in Spanish. But the Basque Country is not only on the Spanish side; it doesn't explain why separatist movements are sleepy in Iparralde (the northern -French- side) too.