Independent Catalonia...

[littlebird7]

Are we cheering from the rooftops delighted that they finally got their independence? Or shocked and sad for our Spanish friends have such a huge split in their amazing country?

Or do we feel both emotions at once?

I am shocked and but knew it was coming, could see it was heading that way when 700 companies moved in one week....

Over to you

[Seniorcitizen1]

Unilateral declarations never go well - it will be interesting to see how EU reacts.

[PoppyPopcorn]

There's a long way to go before Catalunya is independent. They are declaring independence on the back of a referendum which is only recognised by a few in Catalunya, not by the rest of Spain and not by Europe.

If they want to be independent from Spain they have to follow the proper process and they haven't done that. Quite how Spain reacts remains to be seen - but it's not going to be pretty.

[trixymalixy]

I feel very anxious about it all. I cannot see it ending well.

[uptheclydeinabananaboat]

Spain's reaction will be interesting.

I'd hate to see it end in a civil war of sorts

[MephistophelesApprentice]

It's like watching Serbia leave Austria-Hungary all over again. The principle of self-determination, that the Americans gleefully imposed on the UN to break up traditional empires, has always been an invitation to savagery and bloodshed.

[SoupyNorman]

The principle of self-determination, that the Americans gleefully imposed on the UN to break up traditional empires, has always been an invitation to savagery and bloodshed.

As opposed to the peace and light by which those 'traditional empires' bollocks were created

[MadForlt]

They don't have independence. They have voted for it. Meanwhile Spain are planning to take over ruling it.

It is much to early to be cheering or whatever.

[MephistophelesApprentice]

As opposed to the peace and light by which those 'traditional empires' bollocks were created

Yes, the American method of unacknowledged hegemony and corporate colonialism has truly brought about an enlightened era, as demonstrated by Africa's wealth, South America's political stability and Central America's victory over organised crime.

[DaisyLand]

Worrying I find it.
I’m from another part of Spain that has wanted independence for ages and honestly I can’t see this ending well. This is what happens when governments instead of talking and reaching proper agreements that could benefit everyone , look to the other side as if there wasn’t a problem.

Worried that this will lead to a civil war and I’ve too many friends in that area for whose wellbeing I’m concerned about.


And jealous , wished one day my áreas politicians would hear the citizens and follow what they are asking for , fight for it even if it means they’re going to end in prison like it’s really likely the Catalan president will end.


Meanwhile the most corrupted party from whole Europe keeps asking to follow the laws , don’t make me laugh ! They’ve wrapped themselves with the Spanish flag as if they’re the heroes when they are the party that has most broken the country.

[mountford100]

Yes, lets have the Guardia Civil bused in from Madrid and Castlia La Mancha . Why not give them batons or even Guns to stop the independence movement. Perhaps put Tanks on the street or go the whole hog and bring back Franco's descendants .

[BriechonCheese]

Rudely following this thread to learn more.

[scaryteacher]

What do you expect the EU to do Senior? There has been a statement from Tusk supporting Madrid, and requesting non violence. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. They will, as ever, do nothing; what can they do?

[mountford100]

Disgusting behaviour from Spain has been going on for a long time regarding Catalonia . The region has asked for a vote on their nationhood for at least 10 years , constantly rebuked by Madrid .

[GrockleBocs]

It's like watching Serbia leave Austria-Hungary all over again.
Meph - you're older than I thought

[Aderyn17]

I don't know what the Spanish govt expected when they got the police to attack citizens at polling stations.
The right to self determination is important and Spain ought to respect it. The way the Spanish authorities conducted themselves at that election and the lack of condemnation from the rest of the EU, cheers me up somewhat about Brexit.

[Donostia]

i'm in another part of spain (perhaps the same as where daisy is from) and i'm worried. the 90% figure is totally off given the anti independence voters didn't vote because they didn't recognise it as a legal referendum, and the general pro independence figure is estimated to be nearer 40 %. My colleague had to have a police escort to get into a meeting at the uni today and she and all the visitors were terrified.

[SilverySurfer]

I wish Catalan well but fear the Spanish government will not tolerate it and there will be bloodshed.

[DaisyLand]

Donostia kaixo ;) yeah we’re from the same area.
mountford100 don’t give them ideas. It’s really likely that more police is going to be sent, I’m supposed to be going on holiday in 2weeks time.

[PoppyPopcorn]

Agur to Donostia and Daisy! (Not an Euskera speaker but lived in Bilbao for a while and undersand the region if not the language).

As a Scot, I'm concerned for my own country too as well as for Spain/Catalunya/Euskadi. Some of the more rabid Scottish nationalists are LOVING what the Catalans are doing. They support them all the way with their declaration, irrespective of whether it's legal or not. There's a large minority which would love to see Nicola Sturgeon do exactly the same thing as Carles Puigemont and declare independence from the UK.

Madrid needs to play this carefully. Felipe II had his chance when he addressed the nation - he could have called for calm but he bottled it and made the situation worse. The best case scenario would be for Rajoy to agree to a fair and legal independence referendum for Catalunya to see how it all plays out. Figures seem to suggest that it would be similar to our result in Scotland - 55% no, and to retain the status quo.

That would be the best thing, in my opinion. I'd hate to see Catalunya separate from Spain, but if it can be proven that that is what a legal majority want, then it should happen.

At the moment it's not a legal majority though, it's the most vocal. The pro-Spain people didn't even vote as they perceived the referendum as illegal. Which it was.

[WitchesHatRim]

I can't see it ending well in all honesty.

[mountford100]

Poppy. I agree 100 percent with your statement. The Spanish Government should have said we regard the vote of October the 1st as only an opinion poll.

However, we acknowledge the right of the Catalan people to seek clarification of their. Therefore we have agreed to have a fair and binding referendum on the nationhood of Catalonia.

[mountford100]

Clarification of their identity.

[PoppyPopcorn]

And do you think that will happen? Will Rajoy "back down" and allow another, legal referendum? Puigemont won't like that... and from the reaction of my rest of Spain Facebook friends, most of Spain won't like it either.