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posted by takyon on Friday October 27 2017, @11:15PM   Printer-friendly
from the freedonia dept.

This afternoon, Catalonia declared independence. At the same time, Spain invoked article 155, to strip Catalonia from its governing powers putting it under direct rule from the federal government. A vote for independence was raised in Catalonian parliament, with part of parliament leaving before the vote on independence started. The motion declaring independence was approved with 70 in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions of the normal 135 total.

From RT: https://www.rt.com/news/407956-catalan-parliament-votes-independence/
From Aljazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/catalan-parliament-begins-vote-independence-171027115908493.html
From BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41780116

It will be interesting to see how things unfold. In my opinion, Madrid using violence to stop a referendum gave it the legality they later claim the referendum didn't have. The lack of dialogue paved the way into the only possible outcome, Catalonia declaring independence and Madrid denying it. Whatever happens next, I hope will be peaceful. As to how the EU reacts, I'm hoping they ask for an official referendum, and whatever the outcome, pledges that both Catalonia and Spain will be able to remain in the EU if they desire. That may release tensions a bit.


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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday October 28 2017, @05:42AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday October 28 2017, @05:42AM (#588586)

    If not nationalism what do you believe to be driving Catalonian independence? This isn't to ask what stirred up the pot (violence against voters in the referendum), but in reference to the reasoning behind the desire for independence in the first place.

    What do you believe the difference between nationalism and individualism is when nationalism comes from a large group of individuals who desire self-determination as a nation? Why is a focus on the self, whether it be as an individual or as a nation, somehow a catalyst for agression and violence in your mind?