Will Catalan Split from Spain - Research Paper Example

Research paper, Political Science 15 April Will Catalan split from Spain? Introduction The drive for self-governance ofCatalonians is once again the talk and focus of most global societies. For long enough, the imperialists had been felt in the third world countries, but the political conflict existing between Catalan and Spain currently is more inclined to the secession of one of the countries’ in the European Union in the globalization period. It is not modern constructed tension as most people would want to believe, because of its economic progress, but can be traced back from the time of Spanish succession. After the war of Spanish succession ended in September 1714, Bourbon monarchy that emerged victorious suppressed Catalonia’s medieval institution of self-governance (The Trials,” economist.com). The former Spanish empire secluded Catalonia from diverse economic activities and trade and tried to dismantle its cultures for several decades before it permitted it to enjoy similar benefits. Towards the end of the 19th century, there was an emergence of political catalanism through Catalan Almirall, who was at the frontline in campaigning for the regions autonomy and later ‘Lliga de Catalunya’s political party was formed to promote economic, political and moral interests of Catalonia (Grejsen 7). Catalonia’s political parties and the society aimed for the democratic constitution and autonomy of Catalonia, which they needed established on Catalans own terms. The monarchy system was replaced by military dictatorship in the 1920s and though it initially supported catalanism, General Rivera’s authoritarian rule became inimical, which in turn spurred Catalania’s opposition and hostility to the Spanish government (Cameron, Ranis and Zinn 254). The fall of dictatorship and abolishment of the supportive monarchy in the 1930s led to Catalonia regaining regional government autonomy; a republic of Catalonia was announced in Spain and catalan language officiated by the Spanish republican parliament. The government did not last long and after trials for secession, it was returned to Spanish rule and after the Spanish civil war, General Franco overthrew the Catalan government. To suppress the Catalan culture and in effort to maintain national unity, his army completely occupied catalonia, executed hundreds of thousands of people, sacked most of Catalonia origins and replaced them with those loyal to the regime, rebels had to run into exile for their safety in places like France; all this aimed to uproot the separatism, atheism and communism of Catalans (Eaude n.p.). Despite the forbidden Catalan culture across Spain, the revolution energy remained within and though suppressed, leaders still met to organize and kept the institution alive. It was not surprising that even after the general’s death, the uprising embarked again. Most of Catalonia’s anti-Spanish government leaders were sent to prison, yet Catalonia’s protests continued and its political life thrived all through, till the reforms in late 1970s. Following the Spanish constitution of 1978, Catalonia as one of the autonomous communities in the country acquired self-governance; the constitution aimed at bringing the Spanish people together. The era was marked by claims of autonomous rights for most communities. The constitution “made it possible for the degree of self-government to be wide or restricted according to the wishes of the nationalities and regions,” therefore though Catalan acquired self-governance as a region, it still remained within the asymmetrical federalism (Moreno, Arriba and Serrano 5). Catalonia accepted the constitutional arrangement and achieved a regional government based on its independent statute of autonomy. Catalonia was described as one of historic nationalities with distinct societies as recognized by the constitution (Thomas 24). Since then, Catalan has engaged in raising the region’s economy and promoting its cultures to ensure the continuation of Catalonia. Recent tensions leading to separatist demands Over the decades, Catalonia’s population has risen drastically and has acquired sufficient economic and political power compared to other autonomous regions. Since approval of self-governance, CiU nationalist party of Catalan has been in governance for over twenty years now (Coll, catalannewsagency.com). The same party that had guaranteed majority in Catalonia and the stability of Spain after the constitution today poses the threat of secession once again to the Spanish government. First of all, Catalonia today stands out in its economic performances not only in Spain, but in the EU. It contributes approximately 20 per cent of Spain’s GDP, as a center of attraction to the world’s sports and cultures for the famous Barcelona all around (OECD 2). The contemporary scenario of the Catalonians calling for secession is a burst of the existing political push for independence that has been suppressed in the past, but once again brought to light at a time when Spain’s economic situation requires its federal support to evade the various crises in the nation. There is visible division between Spanish and Catalan leaders, which prevents them from coming to a common ground. It is no longer just about the political concern, but also over the social and economic situation of Catalonia that sinks down with the economic performance of Spain. It is a time the Catalonians come out to question Spain’s unity and their contribution to each other. Spain’s financial crisis began in early 2000 and got deeper with the Euro zone crisis. Catalonia feels that its inclusion to the Spanish state affects its economic performance and its global competitiveness; the Spanish government imposes a fiscal plunder of over 10 percent of its general GDP, extracting billions of Euros from Catalonia and exacerbating Spain’s economic crisis on Catalans local resentment (Srmava, democraticunion.eu). The existing statute of autonomy for Catalonia is not sufficient to them. They now ask for fiscal independence of Catalonia, which has been denied. The call for Catalonia’s powers to raise and spend its own taxes was rejected by Spain’s Prime Minister, arguing that the economic crisis of Spain was to be solved jointly (BBC, bbc.com). Catalonia continues to pay a disproportionate level of taxes to Madrid, which agitates and creates tension of separation. Several incidences pushing for Catalans independence have not happened coincidentally. On the Christmas Eve of 2013, Catalonia’s Public Channel TV3 knocked off Spain’s King Juan traditional speech, instead the workers at the channel undertook approximately half an hour strike to protest budget cuts to the Northern regions (“Separatist Spirit,” rt.com). Separatists’ movement has been on the rise and regardless of what the Spanish government perceives of Catalonia, the people from the region are proving their point. Any opposing move of Spain’s government towards Catalonia is deemed to strengthen separation movement. According to Barcelo-Soler, the ongoing tension is attributed to “increased polarization between Spanish and Catalan leaders and amounting social pressure to conduct referendums for self-determination” (1). Each successive talk between Catalonia and Spain government has failed to pave a way for Catalonia’s desires. Despite the central government’s opposition, Catalonians continue to demand for freedom and many now cite poor economic performance of Spain as a thorn to Catalonia’s economic progress. Early in 2014, Catalonia’s parliament voted in favor to demand a right to conduct a referendum on independence in the city of Barcelona, and is looking forward to perform it in late November (Pursell, pbs.org). Tension has escalated after the central government in Madrid rejected the motion. Argument against separation Spain’s Constitutional Court has the authority to review the secession case and make a ruling. The law of the land and court’s ruling should be respected by all Spaniards. The Spanish codified constitution restricts the rights of Catalonia to secede from Spain, though it acknowledges rights as a part of Spain (Evans 7). The claim for Catalonia as a sovereign state and call for referendums in effort towards self-governance have been criticized across Spain, because of the constitution and legal provisions regarding its autonomy within Spain and not secession. Furthermore, the claim to Catalonia’s sovereignty on the basis of calling a referendum was struck down by Spain’s Constitutional Court (Penty bloomberg.com). The constitution is above all issues that the Catalan society threatens Spain with. Catalan has not been alone in this move towards secession in Europe. The UK also suffers from similar threats of separation from Scotland; there seems to be an independence movement across Europe for micro-states within strong imperialist countries. However, the effects that may occur after gaining sovereignty could be unfavorable for the new states and previous mother countries. For example, Catalonia and Scotland could energize other micro states in federal States of Europe to follow in instability and disintegration, causing chances of economic difficulties and even further wrangles with the mother country (Moller 8). The future is uncertain and though independence is perceived as an opportunity, it could also pose serious threats to Catalonia’s political, economic and social affairs. Arguments for Separation from Spain Independence is achieved through struggle. Catalonians have suffered in the past in the hands of the central government and even with increased globalization today, their call for freedom remains. Like the rest of the countries colonized by European imperialists, Catalonia had been plundered in its previous attempts of self-government since the 18th century; they have a right to call for their freedom and recognition as Catalans (“Why Support,” catalanassembly.org). The past ill treatments, economic impositions, massacres for Catalonians and current causes of tension indicate a persistent struggle that will always brow trouble in Spain, unless it is adequately solved. People of Catalan have their unique identity and culture, which even after history of suppression, revived again. Despite Castilian language imposition to the Catalonia, the people’s opposition is strong and Catalan language and flag are of esteem to the people and region of Catalonia. Catalans seek to protect their own identity and ensure a decent standard of living (which in the past decades deteriorated), but most importantly occurs as a people’s choice to support secession (Guntermann 18). The massive demonstration of Catalans is an expression and voice of their call for freedom peacefully from Spain. The economy of Catalan region had thrived well after the statute of autonomy. It managed to promote development and economic progress to become one of the major production areas in Spain. However, substantial hard earned taxes of the region have always been pulled away to support low performing regions, while the returns are incomparable. Catalonia’s public spending has been drastically reduced to “meet the deficit objectives that are disproportionately, unjustly, and disloyally imposed by Spain, and that suffers the consequences of having to shoulder the return of a debt of massive dimensions” (Castro 11). The Eurozone crisis in Spain puts Catalonia on the mainstream for separation, as it sees Catalonia part away with huge income to the state, rather than putting it back to the region for investment. The percentage of what goes out to Spain’s government and that received by Catalonia from central government (ratio of 20 to 14 percent respectively) is unequal and alarming (“Should Catalonia,” debatingeurope.eu). Works Cited Barcelo-Soler, J. The Battle for the Secession:  Catalonia versus Spain. Journal of Political Inquiry at New York University, Spring Issue (2013). . BBC. “Spanish PM Rajoy Rebuffs Catalonia over Budget Powers.” bbc.com. 20 September 2012. Web. 16 April 2014. . Cameron, D. R., Ranis, G. and Zinn, A. Globalization and Self-Determination: Is the Nation-State Under Siege? Oxon: Routledge, 2006. Print. Castro, L. “What’s up with Catalonia? The Causes Which Impel Them to Separation” Cataloniapress.com. 2013. Web. 16 April 2014. . Coll, G.P. “Spain’s Official Electoral Campaign Kicks off with Catalonia in the Spotlight.” Catalannewsagency.com. 4 November 2011. Web. 16 April 2014. . Eaude, M. Catalonia: A Cultural History. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. Evan, H. “Law and Legitimacy: the Denial of the Catalan Voice.” Ideasforeurope.eu. 2013. Web. 16 April 2014. . Grejsen, T.A. “Catalonia: A Study of Nationalism and National Identity in Catalonia.” Au.dk. 5 May 2011. Web. 15 April 2014. . Guantemann, E. “Can Secession be a Rational Choice? Explaining Support for the Independence of Catalonia.” Ericguntermann.com. n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. . Moller, A. “Why Scotland and Catalonia should not Become Independent in a Globalized World.” Goldmercury.org. 8 May 2012. Web. 16 April 2014. . Moreno, L., Arriba, A. and Serrano, A. “Multiple Identities in Decentralized Spain: A Case of Catalonia.” Csic.es . n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. . OECD. “Catalonia, Spain.” oecd.org. n.d. Web. 15 April 2014. . Penty, C. “Catalan Sovereignty Claim Blocked by Spain Constitutional Court.” Bloomberg.com. 26 March 2014. Web. 16 April 2014. . Pursell, R. “Catalonia Demand Right to Vote for Independence from Spain.” Pbs.org. 17 January 2014. Web. 16 April 2014. . “Separatist Spirit: Catalonia Ditches Spanish King’s Christmas Speech,” rt.com. 25 December 2013. Web. 16 April 2014. . “Should Catalonia be Independent?” Debatingeurope.eu. 8 October, 2012. Web. 16 April 2014. . Srmava, T. “A Problem of European Identity? Separatist Movement in the EU.” Democraticunion.eu. 5 March 2014. Web. 16 April 2014. . Thomas, Ned. “After ETA? Catalonia, Euskadi and the Spanish Constitution.” Democraticprogress.org. December 2012. Web. 16 April 2014. . “The Trials of Keeping a Country Together.” economist.com. 24 November 2012. Web. 15 April 2014. . “Why Support Catalonia?” catalanassembly.org. n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. . Read More