From a Catalan perspective, devolution has been a story of difficult negotiations and broken promises. However, that has not stopped them from trying to reach agreements.
In 2006, Catalonia proposed solutions to improve the quality of devolution. A new “Statute of Autonomy” would define clearly who does what and with what resources, thus ending the constant disputes between Central Government and regions. The Catalan proposal was approved by 89% of the MPs in its Parliament but it was met with anger and hostility in the rest of Spain. The Spanish Prime Minister at the time, Mr Zapatero, went back on his promise of supporting the proposal without changes; and Mr Rajoy, the current Spanish Prime Minister, helped collecting signatures in the street for a petition against it. Boycotts of Catalan-made goods were organized; bishops took sides; and a senior army commander was arrested for recommending a military intervention.
Following difficult negotiations, a much more modest reform was approved by the Spanish Parliament, and – despite mixed feelings – this was approved in a Catalan referendum. But then Mr Rajoy’s party presented a challenge in the Constitutional Court. Four years later, the Court annulled key parts of the law and effectively threw devolution into reverse. Parts of the law which remain, such as the rules on the fair distribution of resources within Spain, are simply ignored by the Central Government.
Despite these setbacks, a further attempt to negotiate was made in 2012, when the Catalan Parliament proposed a new tax system, the "Fiscal Pact". This would have given Catalonia an autonomous tax system similar to those which already exist in other Autonomous Communities. Although 80% of the MPs in the Catalan Parliament voted for key parts of the proposal, the Spanish Government refused to discuss the matter.
Some Catalan politicians still wish to continue negotiations, the aim now being to turn Spain into a federal state. But the Spanish Government has already said that this is unacceptable; and many Catalans now believe that it is not possible to negotiate with Spain, because Spain does not want to negotiate.
Muy buen articulo.
Es bien manifiesto el total desinteres del actual gobierno de la nación y anteriores también en cualquier tipo de negociación que pueda significar algún beneficio para Catalunya. Solo les interesa negociar cuando el beneficio va en una sola dirección;en la suya.Aparte de los famosos y actuales recortes,España ya hace muchos años, por no decir desde tiempos inmemoriales,que viene usando la tijera para sus intereses.
El ultimo; el tijeretazo al Estatuto urdido, tramado y disfrazado con trazas de legalidad por el Tribunal Constitucional.
De ahí para atrás se podrían mencionar muchas mas acciones que quizás harían este comentario mas extenso de lo que debe.
Deseo a la vez felicitarles por esta pagina por la gran labor que lleva a cabo en pro de la defensa de los derechos de Catalunya.