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The whole thing is a farce. I wonder what the reporting would be like if this was happening in say an African state(?).
Within reason I respect the right of any group to be independent, but it's hard not to think if the independence movement had any faith in the credibility of the ref they would have followed due process.
This is now a win-win situation for them. They can crack on and discredit the govt, or negotiate and eventually gain more concessions and/or a fully Madrid-backed referendum in the future.
On a purely anecdotal point, a Spaniard I know thinks a significant motivation is protecting Andorra's tax status and to cover up financial improprieties (theft, laundering, evasion, etc.). Be curious if anyone with knowledge on the region has view on that.
hugo7-
I don't see any wins in anyone's future here. Neither side is willing to negotiate, and Spain has already made it clear that they're ready to roll in the big guns and shut down the Catalan government by force. It's beyond me how people can be celebrating in the street when the near future holds bloodshed and even less autonomy than before. Puigdemont is a lunatic and in way over his head. I'm Catalan, grew up in bcn and support independence but not like this.
Drano
The situation in Catalonia feels very odd.
43% turnout to the referendum, 90% voted in favor of leaving Spain. Many prevented from voting by police, some through fear. Were the non voters more likely to be pro Spain or more moderate in general?
~52% or parliament votes for independence due to 60 MPs walking out in protest at the vote being invalid.
So... 38% of the electorate voted leave and 52% of MPs backed them up.
Just feels like this is being rushed tbh.