The problem with "autonomy" is that powers devolved are powers retained. Although Catalunya can make laws, if the government in Madrid does not like the laws, they overturn them. In recent months, this has happened with Catalan language education and now with the Catalan ban on bullfighting. One might legitimately ask: "What is the point of such devolution, if our decisions are nullified so easily?" One might also ask: "Was the Spanish Civil War ever properly concluded?"
We know from history that Franco was a Spanish nationalist under whose rule Catalan language and culture were forbidden. The new order after his death did not roll back his laws very far, and the present Spanish constitution reflects this, to the point that miltary action is permitted against any part of Spain which attempts to secede. Against this, of course is the European Union's clearly stated respect for the rights of all peoples to self-determination.
Unlike Wales in relation to London, Catalunya is in a strong economic position vis-à-vis Madrid, which is increasingly reliant on two sources for any economic existence at all—Catalunya and Europe. One might question if the Madrid government could afford either economically or politically in the face of EU-wide opposition to attempt military interference in a Catalunya which had expressed its wish for secession in a Scotland-style referendum. Should such a wish be expressed, Madrid will lose its economic fix from Catalunya, but I am sure it would be aware that it would face economic ruin if it tried to prevent freedom. It is certain that Madrid will never willingly give Catalunya its independence. Freedom is something that only the Catalan people can take for themselves.
Hugh Jordan
Businessman
Businessman
Hi welshman! From a catalan, and european. Why so far after all the coments that are comming from Madrid, asking for the army to act, saying that are many ways to stop even the referendum, and they will use them, said by the vice-president of the Madrid goverment, nothing is said from the european parlament? Time will come and things will happen...hope this time the end will be a happy one!!
Òscar
Thanks for your balanced perspective, Hugh. As an Englishman who has lived in Catalonia for 25 years, my experiences here have changed my miopic view of other British nations. It seems to me that everyone should have the right to choose their own cultural identity. If this results in calls for greater political freedom, so be it!