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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.
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Saturday October 28 2017, @03:36AM (3 children)
Is it that limited? The coastal areas and Cappadocia seem pretty mild too.
An EU with Turkey as a member would make it something much more special and transcendant, but it is true it's hard to imagine it when the EU can't even get its act together on matters like Brexit, the Scottish referendum, or Catalonian independence. Europeans can preen, and they do often scoff at the inadequate civilization of others, but when it comes down to it they are as parochial and inflexible as anyone else. Europe will never be greater than it is unless it can overcome those ontological limitations.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by MichaelDavidCrawford on Saturday October 28 2017, @04:52AM (2 children)
The common argument for staying was that the British liked to vacation in Europe. Brexit would make those vacations more expensive.
The common argument for leaving was that the laws and regulations imposed by Brussels on the UK offended the British sense of fair play. A specific example I heard about once was that EU environmental regulations led to flooding in England.
Yes I Have No Bananas. [gofundme.com]
(Score: 3, Informative) by MostCynical on Saturday October 28 2017, @09:29AM
Not the EU, alas; home-grown perfidy: grouse hunting! (well... management of grouse hunting moors)
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/29/deluge-farmers-flood-grouse-moor-drain-land [theguardian.com]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/green-party/12102239/Over-managed-grouse-moors-made-floods-worse-says-Green-party-leader-Natalie-Bennett.html [telegraph.co.uk]
"I guess once you start doubting, there's no end to it." -Batou, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday October 29 2017, @08:58AM
A common example I've heard is that people are fucking idiots and don't know what is best for them. Like someone said, "Democracy is an assumption that people know what they want, and they want it hard and they want it fast". But maybe Patrick Steward puts it best in this sketch about Brexit,
Patrick Stewart sketch: what has the ECHR ever done for us?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfmAY6M6aA [youtube.com]