The Catalonia fight for independence has been an ongoing political issue in Spain for 40 years. Catalonia is a semi-autonomous region in north-east Spain containing 7.5 million people with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem. Additionally Catalonia has an independent police force and administers many of its public services.
For many years Catalan nationalists have opposed Madrid’s use of their tax dollars being spent on poorer areas of Spain. In 2010 changes to their autonomous status was believed to have impeded Catalan identity. On October 1st 2017 a referendum was held where 90% or voters supported independence. The referendum was declared illegal by Spain constitutional court. Police officers prevented people from voting using batons and rubber bullets resulting in 38 injuries. On October 27th Catalonia declared independence. As a result, the Spanish government removed Catalan leaders and parliament. After a snap regional election nationalist parties won.
Protestors fighting the jailing of 9 separatist leaders has resulted in ninety-six people being injured. Spain’s Supreme Court has jailed nine pro-independence leaders for between nine and 13 years. Additionally 3 more leaders were fined, but not jailed, for disobedience. All of the 12 defendants are denying the charges. On Monday October 14th, over 100 flights were cancelled as a result of protesters blocking roads to Barcelona’s El Prat airport. An app known as “Tsunami Democràtic” has reportedly been directing people to protest sites.
Catalonia is already possess many of the elements required to become independent such as their own language and flag. So far no country has expressed support for Catalonia’s independence. EU is standing with Spain so if Catalonia were to acquire independence it would be expelled from the bloc and the shared euro currency. Additionally two-thirds of Catalonia’s foreign exports go to the EU. To be accepted into the EU Catalonia would need approval from all EU members, including Spain. From an economic standpoint Catalonia had GDP of 215 billion euros however, 52 billion euros is owed to the Spanish government. If Catalonia was to gain independence, their success as an independent country is questionable.