Catalonia: Do Not Ignore Us [Update | Part III]

by with 3 Comments International
This tidbit may come as a surprise, but no one outside of Spain knew anything of Catalonia’s historical struggle and aspirations for independence a few years ago. Even today, most people have at the very least a minimal concept about this region and the dream that its people have of being free. When an internal struggle like Catalonia’s current fight for independence in Spain reaches its boiling point, it’s not shocking to see the conflict expand beyond its national borders.
Due to all the attention, Catalonia is receiving now; it has given the small state some punch behind its demands to be heard all over the world. Has this type of scrutiny made it possible for the region to gain independence without violence being its driving force? 
No one could have presented this better than the president of the region, Carles Puigdemont, when he addressed the Catalan Parliament on October 10. His speech, in which he halted the declaration of independence and called for rational dialogue with the Spanish state, demonstrated a value that the people of Catalonia are known well for, its aptly named  “Seny Catala” (Catalan Sanity). Comically enough, you as the reader should know that throughout this entire situation, Spain has contributed significantly to the perception that Catalonia is the “sane side” in this conflict.
It started with Spain’s response to the referendum of Catalonia. It showed a clumsy, and savage Spanish government that had no idea of how to de-escalate matters. With the support of its state media, Spain’s central government tried to hide any favor of ideas that contradicted the state’s point of view, which showed a darker side to Spain that resembled the Franco dictatorship. Throughout that chaotic October 1st day, images of violence and bedlam filled television screens all over the world, showing the international audience what the Spanish central government was capable of doing.
When you think about it, images are the most powerful tool in any communication, and with Spain’s brutal tactics, the government of Mariano Rajoy, clearly communicated a strong message: We will use any force necessary to keep stability against our citizens and maintain the status quo. This tactic was not the only dark action taken on that day. The Spanish government also proved how foolish they could be by using all possible measures to stop a referendum, and they failed miserably.
On the other hand, the Catalan Government proved to be much more strategic by aligning with the current political culture of the European continent, which proved in some ways why the Catalonia people deserve independence. 
Where is this all leading? Well, the strategy of the Catalan state was simple: to officially request a referendum, and, when this would most certainly be denied, to go ahead and do it anyway. The most important part of this strategy was to do it without violence. The next part of this plan, and by far the most crucial role is to demand dialogue after the Speech that President Carles Puigdemont gave at the Catalan parliament.
What was said in Puigdemont’s speech? 
Catalonia’s leader stated that he accepted the “mandate from the people” to “become an independent state,” but stopped short of declaring independence as he pursues an open dialogue with Spain. This gesture showed a sense of practicality and it’s in line with the political behavior model of the EU. A model that is firmly based on dialogue, agreements, and respect for the tenents of democracy. Unfortunately, Spain chose to ignore Puigdemont’s gesture, so his impassioned speech did not have the effect he had hoped it would on the central government’s attitude towards the Catalan people.
Catalonia is at the fork in the road now. They have two options: Disobey the Spanish central government and declare independence regardless of what the government says, or give up and withdraw its proposal for dialogue on full autonomy.
Currently, it’s a stalemate for both sides. On one hand, the Catalans view the suspension of the declaration of independence as a type of betrayal of the astounding results of the referendum they fought so hard to achieve. On the other hand, some sections of the Spanish population want the central government to take a more forceful action against any current or future demands for secession.
We will all have to see what will be the next steps Spain takes towards the Catalan state. They must not forget that the world is watching, and with each forceful clampdown of liberty, another revolution sows into the ground to one day come bursting through the doors. 
For more on Catalonia and their fight for independence…
Catalonia: The Rebel State
Catalonia: The Rebel State [Update | Part II]
Catalonia: When Catalonia Wants Space And Spain Doesn’t Seem To Get It [Update | Part IV]

Catalonia: The Rebel State [Update | Part II]

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Catalonia: The Rebel State Updated…  

Catalan President accuses the King of Spain for being the government’s puppet.
President Carles Puigdemont has called for dialogue with Madrid, but after little to no response, he has publicly stated his plans for a declaration of independence.
Catalonia’s President Carles Puigdemont has blamed the King of Spain for acting as a mouthpiece for the Spanish government as the nation delves deeper into conflict. Puigdemont has vowed to move forward with plans to declare independence over the next week.
Speaking just three days after his government’s highly controversial independence referendum, which was met with extreme police violence, Puigdemont said that his people were united more than they have ever been before; but added he was disappointed by the King’s lack of diplomacy and insight into the situation. 
“The king endorses the discourse and policies of the government of [prime minister Mariano] Rajoy, which has been catastrophic for Catalonia and deliberately ignores the millions of Catalans who do not think like them,” he said.
Sending a message directly to the king, Puigdemont said: “Not like this. Your decision yesterday disappointed many people in Catalonia.”
“I have to represent all of Catalonia’s citizens,” Puigdemont said. “On Sunday we had a referendum under the most difficult circumstances and set an example of who we are. Peace and accord is part of who we are. We have to apply the results of the referendum. We have to present the results of the referendum to parliament.”
Close to 1000 people were injured after the Spanish police attempted to prevent the vote by raiding and destroying polling stations, assaulting would-be voters and firing rubber bullets into the crowds.
Though the Spanish authorities’ tried their best to prevent the referendum, as well as the government of Spain and the country’s constitutional court declaring the referendum illegal, 2.26 million Catalans of the 5.3 million registered to vote took part in the elections. According to the Catalan government, 90% of the participants voted for the region to become an Independent state.
The Spanish government was quick to respond to this outcome. The deputy prime minister, Soraya Såenz de Santamaria, said that the Catalan president had squandered an opportunity to steer the region back toward coexistence, adding: “If Mr. Puigdemont wants to talk or negotiate or send mediators, he knows perfectly well what he needs to do: get back on the legal path that he should never have abandoned.”
The EU has called for the Spanish and Catalan governments to bridge the gap and begin talks to come to a peaceful resolution. However, the EU has stated that Madrid has the right to use “proportionate force” to uphold the law, which seemingly feels like that they do not recognize the struggle of the Catalan people or its need for more autonomy.
The EU has stated that violence does not resolve any problem, but in the same breath does not want to side with Catalan, providing support for the Spanish government.
This lack of support from the EU and the King of Spain, has given the people of Catalonia an uphill battle to gain its independence and identity. 
Money, Language, Respect Link: Catalonia: The Rebel State