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Diamond_Otter2443 karma

Some have historical claims, the crown of Aragon (wich Catalonia was a part of) and Castilia (former Spain as we usually name it) were united back in 1469 and since then cultural differences always had a part on nationalistic claims.

More recently since the instauration of the parlamentary monarchy (after franco) the spanish territory was split into "comunidades autonomas) which everyone of them has different autonomic competences, Basque Country had more economic privileges than Catalonia and that inspired some turmoil within the population

Back in 2006 the spain government destroyed "the estatut" wich was a sort of declaration of competences by the Generalitat, that was a big mistake since "the estatut" didnt infringe any known law and even was similar as other bills in vigor by other "comunidades autonomas"

Years of political immobility by central government and impoverishment of the general population made that independentist and nationalist parties gain support within the "non-political people"

As for me I am not independentist but I am for democracy, and the measures PP (governing party) took in Catalonia are unacceptable.

(excuse my english, if you have any more question or want a clarification please do)

Diamond_Otter1098 karma

Horrible, but I will take the opportunity to explain something.

Some years ago I was protesting against the increase of university prices in Barcelona and the "mossos de esquadra" (catalonian police force) charged at us unprovoked and injured a lot of people

By this im not taking heat off the national police actions, they had absolutely no place in a first world country but I dont like the narrative of "look at these bad spanish dudes" when some years ago I was being beaten by Catalonian policemen.

We cant forget that they were sent with aggresion in mind, the spanish government (Partido Popular, the remains of the franco party, but this is a discussion for another day) knew they would strike people, with this I want to say, those policement were given orders, and they abide them

Diamond_Otter702 karma

Well the Generalitat (catalonia government) has as next step to execute the DUI (unilateral independence declaration) as it was stated if the referendum ended with a YES majority

The Spain Government could execute the article 155 of the constitution which would render la Generalitat without power

I doubt they both will do anything of that, if both governments have a bit of political wisdom they might start negotiations in the following weeks if not we might be in for some tumultuous days

As for now there are general strikes convoked for tomorrow.

Diamond_Otter434 karma

Now that is a hard question.

While some independentist have economic reasonings behind them (wich Im not sure they are quite right) the majority of nationalistic spirit comes from cultural heritage and rejection of the idea of Spain.

As for being outside the EU they (us? I dont know) allegedly have a plan to become a member after the separation (wich I dont know how will they do it with Spanish veto but wtv)

Also last actions taken by the spanish government puts Spain in a bad position infront of the EU so the discussion of the relationship of a theoretically catalonian republic is kinda a bogus point right now

But good question! I might complete my answer later

Diamond_Otter383 karma

Thank you for your words, love Madrid, I go twice every year.

As for your question, Puigdemont & friends might use the bad response of the government to push a negotiation leaning on the words of EU (excessive use of force and so on) they might try to establish the DUI but I think that will be most unreasonable.

My views on the near future is of unrest and increase on independent backing, I wish they sit to talk but it seems so unlikely