Het volgende artikel nam ik over van Anti-Media, hierin een gesprek met een VS burger, die meer duidelijkheid geeft over de Catalaanse wil tot onafhankelijkheid.
Terecht wordt in dit artikel een ander beeld geschetst, dan de reguliere media u laten voorschotelen. Bijvoorbeeld dat de wil tot onafhankelijkheid inderdaad een streven is van het grootste deel van de Catalanen. Voorts wordt melding gemaakt van de fascisten die meeliepen in de demonstratie op 7 oktober jl. tegen de Catalaanse onafhankelijkheid…..
Eén van de redenen dat de Catalanen nu onafhankelijkheid wensen, is het feit dat de Spaanse premier Rajoy 14 statuten voor Catalaanse autonomie heeft geschrapt in 2006…….*
What
an American Citizen in Barcelona Wants You to Know About Catalonia
October
10, 2017 at 6:58 am
Written
by Anti-Media
Team
Anti-Media spoke
with Isabelle Bolla, an American woman who has lived in Catalonia for
the past two years.
(ANTIMEDIA) — On
October 1st, Catalonia held a disputed referendum
vote in an attempt to declare independence from Spain. On voting day,
Spanish police were documented using
excessive force against Catalans attempting to place their vote.
While the situation in Spain has recently garnered much
attention from
the media as it reaches a boiling point, tensions between the
governments of Catalonia and Spain have been building for
years.
Just
yesterday, Spain’s ruling party made a veiled
threat to
assassinate the president of Catalonia, as shared in this tweet from
Julian Assange, who continues to be outspoken on
the issue.
a
Zie opmerking over deze video**
EU silence has now led to this: Spain’s ruling political party just made a barely veiled threat to have Catalonia’s current president shot.
In
light of the recent
unrest in
Spain surrounding Catalonia’s vote for independence, we spoke by
email with Isabelle Bolla, an American woman who has lived in various
regions of Spain, including living in Catalonia for the past two
years. As an outsider who has spent considerable time in Spain,
Isabelle has a unique perspective on the situation from inside
Barcelona.
Can
you discuss the general atmosphere you have experienced recently in
Catalonia?
“Over
the past month, I have seen mass mobilizations of people who have
peacefully gathered to affirm their desire to vote in a referendum.
Many have felt discontent with the Spanish state and its treatment of
Catalonia, and others want a say in their future. While not everyone
may agree or want independence, 80% of Catalans wanted the right to
vote on their future. Prior to October 1st, there was an energy in
the air of excitement. People were ready to vote. I ended up being in
a small town on the night before the election. Numerous people were
camping out and sleeping inside of the designated locations for
voting, to protect them from the possible threat of Guardia Civil
(Spanish national police) which had been deployed to cities and towns
all over the region. People were genuinely scared of what could
happen if the police showed up, but there was a feeling of excitement
– as some have waited their whole lives to vote.”
What
did you witness on the day the referendum was held? You mentioned a
feeling of excitement, did that continue throughout the day?
“People
started lining up at 4am, and waited until the polling stations
opened at 9am. Luckily, no police were deployed to the location I was
in, so everything was peaceful and orderly. It was a normal and
completely democratic process. At
one point the voting systems completely crashed, as they did in ALL
voting stations all over Catalonia, as the Spanish government had
managed to shut them down with court orders. People resorted to
voting manually, and the vote went ahead nonetheless. I saw a 93 year
old man vote, and everyone clapped for him on his way out – it’s
incredible to think of the things he has likely seen in his life, and
that he made the morning walk to vote and have his voice heard.
I
returned to Barcelona the same day, and was filled with emotion at
the devastating brutality which occurred on behalf of the Spanish
police, and resulted in nearly 900 injuries. The videos which
followed only further demonstrated the volatility of the operation. I
attended a few manifestations in Plaza Catalunya and tried to check
out other local polling places, in which people were still officially
voting until 8pm.
Over
the past month, the Spanish state has censored the press, shut down
.CAT domains, sent in police forces, arrested government officials,
and gave the order for riot police to conduct themselves in a violent
manner to voters. Their strategy thus far has been questionable.”
What
happened during the pro-unity march held
on October 7th?
“Yesterday
in Barcelona and Madrid people who oppose secession gathered to show
support for a united spain. While a majority of these people were
peaceful, it should be noted that there was a large amount
of Falange and
far-right attendees (such as Vox — another
right wing, anti immigrant, racist group) These groups are notably
fascist, and many were caught on camera doing Nazi salutes (which is
banned in many parts of Europe) and carrying pre-constitutional
Falange flags. Again, I am not alluding that the entire population
was fascist as that certainly wasn’t the case, but rather that
their presence was completely allowed and not explicitly banned,
which in my opinion is an issue in and of itself.
There
was a large turnout for pro-unity demonstration. I think many people
from all over Spain are hurt about what probably feels like the
dissolution of a marriage. It’s hard not to get personal, and feel
a range of emotions. I think that’s why it’s so crucial for both
sides to speak to each other, because ultimately a large standoff
will end up hurting the populations and civilians the most.
It
should also be stated that a majority of attendees were not from
Catalonia, but were bussed
in from
other regions of Spain. Bus options were available to anyone all over
Spain for a mere 34€. So a large population of those attending were
from other Spanish regions. I personally witnessed an influx of
busses throughout the day coming, and going.
I
also witnessed a car driving past my apartment, covered in Spanish
flags and blasting the “Marcha Real” on the speakers, which is
Franco’s national anthem and notoriously
fascist.
I
would like to be clear again, that not all of the population there
was fascist, but the fascists were not DENOUNCED or told to leave –
which is problematic.
Just
last week,
thousands gathered in Plaza del Sol in Madrid to sing “Cara Del
Sol,” another fascist tune indoctrinated into the youth during
Franco’s regime.
I
believe in peaceful assembly and peaceful protests, but the
appearance of these far-right exclusive and divisive groups calling
for “unity” only incites intimidation and fear, and produces the
opposite effect to many Catalans, and outsiders like myself.”
Can
you give an example of the difference in attitudes between the
Catalan people and the Spanish police?
On
October 3rd, I attended the “vaga general” which was a general
day of strike in Catalonia. It was called on by unions and approved
by the Catalan government, leading to an entire work stoppage. This
strike was called in solidarity with the Catalan people and against
the unproportional use of force demonstrated by Spanish police on
October 1st. As with all Catalan manifestations, the mood was festive
and it was completely peaceful. I think the force and aggressiveness
of Spanish police and the Spanish government has in turn had the
opposite effect it hoped for, and has only further invigorated the
separatist movement. Given the history in Catalonia, people here do
not react well to force or oppression, as it is reminiscent of life
merely 40 years ago. Another mobilization is called for this week,
and we will likely continue to see more.”
Catalans
attempted to vote in a democratic election for a referendum,
and succeeded.
But the Spanish government has maintained that this referendum vote
would not take place. Can you tell us what the referendum is for?
“The
referendum was for the right of Catalans to vote if they wanted to
become an independent republic outside of Spain. As polls are
constantly fluctuating, the numbers on who supports independence are
unclear. What can be said is that 80% of the population supported a
referendum to solve the matter. Over the past few years, unofficial
non-binding referendums on the same matters did win overall
support — but
again, it’s hard to fully understand these numbers as whole. To get
a full scope, it would be wise to analyze voter turnouts as a whole
in regional and national elections, and cross reference them to
referendum elections. The pressures that Catalans had to deal with to
vote on October 1st should also be taken account. According to
Catalan officials, around 770,000 were unable to vote due to police
interference.
In
Catalonia, 5.3 million or so are eligible to vote in a population of
7.5 million, and around 4.9 are Catalans.. The average turnout has
been between 2-2.5 million people in many referendums, which should
already be a signal of alarm to the Spanish state that nearly half of
the population is voting in favor of independence — and
that there is a deep divide present.”
The
Spanish prime minister insists that
no referendum was held in Catalonia but officials say, according to
preliminary results, 90% voted for independence. Why does Catalonia
want independence from Spain?
“Catalonia
wants independence because of many issues and a variety of reasons.
Many have to do with unfair treatment from the Spanish government,
and the fact that in 2006 PP and namely Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy
reneged on a previous promise made to Catalonia, and subsequently
canceled out nearly 14 statutes of autonomy the region was granted by
his predecessor. Stripping the autonomy of the region and turning its
back on Catalonia left many people very angry. The following 2008
financial crisis further exasperated these sentiments.
It
also has to do with money, as many Catalans pay more in taxes than
what they receive back, leading them to borrow money from the Spanish
government to provide basic services for its citizens. While this is
always the precedent, that richer regions pay more in taxes;
Catalonia has all together paid
morethan
it’s wealthy European counterparts in Paris, London, etc.
I
believe it also boils down to identity, which is a VERY big factor.
Many Catalans do not necessarily feel Spanish, they identify as
Catalan.”
Prior
to this referendum, had there been previous effort on the part of the
Catalan government to reach out to the Spanish government to attempt
an agreement?
Over
the past 6 or 7 years, the Catalan government has made numerous
attempts to speak with the Spanish government to discuss more
autonomy, or even to try to agree on a question for a referendum. All
of these attempts have been shut down, leading the Catalan government
to respond with one binding question and referendum.
Studies
have shown that if more than one question was posited, or if Spain
had agreed on the question with Catalans many perhaps would have
voted to stay.
I don’t see that necessarily being the case after the events of the
past month, and after October 1st.
Here
in the U.S. almost everything that goes ‘wrong’ is blamed on
Russia. It looks like the media
is using Russia as
a scapegoat in this instance as well, claiming that Russian meddlers
are to blame for the Catalan crisis. Have you seen this in the media
where you are?
I
have briefly some some content alluding to collusion with Russia,
which seems to be the case worldwide now. As far as I know, these
parallels were drawn by the newspaper El Pais, whom also mentioned
that Julian Assange (who has been vocal about the Catalonia/Spain
situation) is also in works with Russia. While I have no doubt that
seeing a fractured Europe would serve Russia’s best interests, I am
highly speculative of Russia playing any kind of integral role in
matter. The call for a referendum, and the desire for independence
has no correlation to Russia, and it should be noted that mentioning
Russia or attempting to use Russia as a scapegoat is an easy way to
diminish or invalidate the opinions of millions of people.
With
your knowledge of events over the past week and your experience in
Spain, what do you think will happen over the next few days?
“Well,
there have been many assumptions and analysis over the possible
endgame steps and strategies that will be implemented. I think the
Spanish government is going to measure which steps it can
incrementally implement to stop or put a halt to a declaration of
independence. Sedition charges, and arrests will likely be made over
the next week and could perhaps be it’s first way of cracking down.
Last week, Spain’s government passed a law which makes it easier
for companies to move their official headquarter base out of
Catalonia and into Spain, as a way of adding economical pressure to
the region.
Following
this, a few companies and banks moved their
HQ address to Spanish cities, out of prudence and as a contingency
plan – although it should be noted that most companies actual
headquarters will remain here, and only the fiscal address has been
moved. Adding economical pressure, and following with a series of
arrests looks like the current course for now.
Up
to this point, the Spanish government has refused any outside
mediation and has also refused to engage in active civil discourse
and dialogue with the Catalan government while “independence is
still on the table.” Of course, this entire problem revolves around
independence, so it seems both governments have been unable to even
sit and meet properly for a discussion.”
Article
8 of the Spanish Constitution allows it to explicitly use its armed
forces to ensure the sovereignty and unity of the country. “The
mission of the Armed Forces, comprising the Army, the Navy and the
Air Force, is to guarantee the sovereignty and independence of Spain
and the constitutional order.”, Spanish
Consitution, Article 8)
Alongside
article 8, it is likely that article 116 and 155 will be implemented
as well following a UDI. Article 116 quite literally invokes MARTIAL
LAW in three stages: Stage of Alarm, State of Emergency, and State of
Siege. (“An organic law shall regulate the states of alarm,
emergency and siege (martial law) and the corresponding competences
and limitations.”
Article
155 would revoke the autonomy of a region, and remove the government
in power. The central government in Madrid would therefore presume
control over Catalonia economically and politically. Invoking article
155 has been dubbed the “nuclear option.” The Vice President of
Spain did confirm that this article would be implemented the same day
as a hypothetical UDI.
Both
of these articles will require a congressional majority to pass.
I
think the Catalan government will move to declare independence as it
promised the population it would do. The Catalan Parliament is the
legitimate representative body of Catalans, and they have the
internal power and legitimacy to declare independence. They are
seeking to declare it for a number of reasons, and because a UDI
(unilateral declaration of independence) would allow them to accept
mediation from foreign governments, and recognize Catalan statehood.
There attempts and calls for mediation have been ignored, and Spain
has refused any dialogue up to this point – so this undoubtedly
seems to be the way forward. It’s unclear yet if it will occur
incrementally or all at once.
Following
the UDI, it is highly likely that article 155/116 will come into
play, which is cause for concern. I fear further aggressive tactics
from the Spanish state will cause backlash in the region, and lead to
more strikes and mobilizations. People will absolutely take to the
streets.
I
believe the Spanish government will hold off on instituting 155 for
now UNTIL Catalonia declares independence, which is also likely to
occur in the next few days. It is not only plausible, but highly
likely that this move will trigger a deep disaccord with the
population, and lead to more demonstrations of passive resistance.
In
your opinion what is the ideal outcome for Catalonia?
“I
think the ideal situation for Catalans and Catalonia would be
dialogue with the Spanish government with outside mediation, where
they can clearly have their voices heard, with a neutral mediator in
place. This is idealistic, and given how things have played out over
the past month it seems unlikely to happen. Ideally, the Spanish and
Catalan governments would work together towards understanding each
other and reaching an agreement that is suitable for both. Dialogue,
dialogue, dialogue. The main thing missing, is what would help the
situation the most. Countless MEPS, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and
countries have urged Catalonia and Spain to simply talk; but Spain
has refused to this point, choosing force and aggression, against
what it sees as a rebellion.
The
other ideal situation would be a compromise within the Spanish
government to either grant more autonomy, make it a state within a
Federal spain, or give permission to hold a legally binding
referendum (as the U.K did with Scotland.) None of these are
plausible with the current political trajectories in place, but they
would certainly be ideal.
Since
the former situations seem quite lofty and out of reach, then the
other best alternative would likely be the UDI. According to
international law, self-determination is in numerous international
treaties and does denote the legal right of a people to decide their
destiny in international order. With that said, the EU is largely
against secessionist movements, and cannot legally recognize an
independent state unless the parent state itself (Spain) has come to
an agreement or arrangement with the government seeking secession,
and has agreed to recognize their statehood – which is highly
unlikely to happen.
If
Catalonia does break free and leave the EU ( at least temporarily),
it will lose the protection of the EU, however this would leave it
open to mediation that it can legally accept. Just because it leaves
the EU, does not mean it would not be accepted back in.
What
is the most important thing about this situation that you think the
rest of the world needs to know?
“Catalonia
is a very prosperous region
of Spain, and makes up nearly 22% of its GDP and 17% of its populace.
In 2016 it generated nearly 226 billion, in comparison with Portugal
which produced 180 billion (these numbers may not be exact – but
are close to the figures and estimates.) While no exact economical
analysis has been conducted on viability as an independent region, it
would be foolish to dismiss the overall power of the Catalan
population and region. Barcelona is and has always been one of the
most important ports in the Mediterranean, and the overall 14th most
important in Europe. It accounts for 25% of all exports from Spain,
while Madrid accounts for 11%. Catalonia also represents around 2% of
Europe’s overall GDP, so it is an economic and regional powerhouse.
I
think this is the biggest crisis both Spain and Europe have faced in
a long time, and it’s happening in a digital age which really
changes the way information is spread and received.
What
I can tell you personally is that the movement for secession is not
an extremist agenda; these are normal people, of all ages who just
want a democratic process to decide on a democratic future. A
majority of supporters hail from rural areas, and in metropolitan
cities, like Barcelona there is possibly less desire for it because
the population is mixed – but it is very real and it should not be
dismissed, ignored, or suffocated. I think that Spain has reached a
point of no return, and the current government has used aggressive
tactics which have backfired and left people in Catalonia feeling
more resentment to the central government, and feeling like their
government is not trying to listen to them. All people want here, is
to be heard — and for a chance to speak. And they
should have that.”
The
most critical moment for Catalonia arrives
in just a few hours,
when President Carles Puigdemont is expected to issue a declaration
of independence, insisting on Catalonia’s wish to negotiate with
the Spanish government and the need for mediation.
“History
should not be repeated,” said Pablo
Casado, a spokesman for Spain’s governing People’s party, the day
before the declaration.
“We
hope that tomorrow nothing will be declared, because perhaps the one
who declares it will end up like the one who declared it 83 years
ago.”
Puigdemont
is scheduled to speak today
at 6pm local time “to report on the current political situation”
as pressure grows amid warnings by the Spanish government against
secession.
Creative
Commons / Anti-Media / Report
a typo
* Hoorde zojuist in het BBC Scotland radionieuws van 14.00 u., dat de Spaanse premier en fascist Rajoy de eerste stappen zal zetten tot het terugdraaien van de Catalaanse autonomie………..
** Let wel: de getoonde video is niet dezelfde als in het originele bericht, waar slechts 38 seconden te zien zijn van de video hierboven (de video in het origineel kan ik niet overnemen). In het origineel worden deze eerste seconden ondertiteld, hier de Engelse tekst: “We just saw last october 6 that the 83rd anniversary of Comapnys’ declaration of independence passed almost unnoticed. I believe history shouldn’t be repeated and lets hope tomorrow nothing will be declared, because maybe the one who declared it will end as the one who declared it 83 years ago”. >> Ofwel Hiermee waarschuwde deze fascist van de Partido Popular de president van Catalonië, Carles Puigdemont, dat ook hij vermoord kan worden, zoals de Catalaanse president Lluis Companys i Jover dat 83 jaar geleden overkwam, nadat hij de onafhankelijkheid van Catalonië had uitgeroepen………
en: ‘Spaanse regering hekelt ‘gewelddadige protesten’ in Catalonië‘
en: ‘Puigdemont de gevluchte Catalaanse politicus is gearresteerd door de Duitse politie…….‘
en: ‘Duitse procureur generaal wil Puigdemont uitleveren……..‘
en: ‘Spain’s
Suppression of the Catalonia Independence Movement Is Backfiring‘
en:
‘Spanje
bewijst het gelijk van Catalonië’s wens voor
onafhankelijkheid……‘
en: ‘Timmermans (PvdA EU) over Catalonië: proportioneel geweld is soms gerechtvaardigd…….. AUW!!!‘
en:
‘Timmermans
(PvdA EU): “There can be no human rights without the rule of
law….”‘
en: ‘Bankenmaffia chanteert het Catalaanse volk……..‘
en: ‘BBC World Service en hoogleraar Radboud met gekleurd ‘Catalaans commentaar…….’‘
en: ‘Catalonië: Karel de Gucht >> de EU moet zich uitspreken tegen ondemocratisch Spaans geweld!‘
en: ‘Catalonië en Puigdemont gefeliciteerd met de dikke overwinning van de onafhankelijkheid coalitie!‘