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| Many in Catalonia wish to secede from Spain. |
Today, the people of Catalonia, an area in the Northeastern Spain which contains Barcelona, beaches of Costa Brava and the Pyrenees mountains, planned to vote for independence from Madrid, and to seceded from the rest of Spain. Madrid has declared such an election, illegal.
Today, the vote is taking place, and police from Madrid have been sent to prevent people from voting in this election. According to European news sources, rubber bullets are being used, and both Catalans and police have been injured.
This will get worse, before it gets any better. It is hard to believe that this is taking place, not in Syria, not in Turkey, not in Afghanistan or Cuba, but in Spain. Cross off one more place as too volatile in which to vacation. Please pray for these people.
3 comments:
Although typically a fan of the concept of the right to secede, I find myself conflicted here as it is most likely that the secessionists will immediately apply for EU membership (which they currently enjoy as a constituent member of Spain). It somewhat seems as if it is merely the exchange of one master for one of the same nature.
Even if the majority of Catalans had voted to secede, secession would not have been automatic. It would simply have begun talks on the matter with Madrid. To join the EU afterward would have required Catalonia to begin at the beginning, and EU membership would have taken time. I don't live there, and I don't know what they should choose. I am just appalled at the attack of people who simply wished to vote in an election, whether its results were later set aside or not. The message from Madrid is clear, "We don't care what you think, and we will attack if you try to tell us." There is now a move afoot to get the Prime Minister of Spain to resign due to this matter. For visitors, it also implies that Spain is unstable.
BTW, Toirdhealbheach Beaucail, Thank you for your comment.
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