The Catalan Spring Has Begun

Today the Catalan Parliament is set to vote and, predictably, approve a declaration of sovereignty that will state that the people of Catalonia are a political subject qualified to exercise their right to decide on any matters concerning their wellbeing. This vote will represent one more milestone for us, Catalans, towards achieving our goals as a nation. The November elections and the various polls conducted all seem to indicate two facts.

First, there is an ample majority—-between 60% and 88%, depending on the sources—in favor of the right to self-determination. This overwhelming majority speaks clearly about what Catalans want—a majority that is politically backed by the parties in favor of independence. It seems logical that the will of the majority should be reflected in a declaration by our parliament. Trying to stop the exercise of this fundamental liberty has not other name than anti-democracy, the seed of instability to the foundations of the European Union.

Second, there is another majority (51-65%) in favor of Catalonia's independence, especially if it remains inside the European Union. Naturally, independence is only one of the options considered as the future political status of a sovereign Catalonia. In any case, it is the option preferred by the majority. Right now, other options such as federalism or greater autonomy are favored by a minority. Those proposing a return to centralism and unitarianism are in an very clear minority.

It is true that in the eyes of most Catalans, Spain has exhausted its political capital to present itself as the state that defends and promotes the interests of Catalonia. Now is not the time to give a full report of all wrongdoings against us, but it's perfectly clear that the future of Catalonia as a nation, of the People of Catalonia, lies not within Spain, because the Spanish national project is equivalent to political subordination, economic plundering, and language annihilation. And this is not the future we want.

That's why today we are making history. We need to be aware that we are going through an important moment in history that will be remembered in the next decades. That's why getting involved in the current events is not only a civic duty, but a source of pride at the personal and national level.

Dr. Josep Sort
Professor at the University Ramon Llull