Catalonia Crisis Explained
What is the Catalan Crisis?
Catalonia is a region located in north-east Spain. It recently has declared "self-proclaimed independence" from Spain. This has led Spain into its worst political crisis in 40 years. Continue reading to learn more about the crisis. In this episode of the International Desk, "Catalonia Crisis Explained".
Catalonia is a region of Spain with a very different and distinct culture and heritage than Spain.Catalonia has 2.7 million people speaking "Catalan", a form of modified Spanish.Anyway, it is considered different.It is the wealthiest region in Spain.More than 50% of Spanish taxpayers call this region home.It has its own parliament, its own National flag, its own National Anthem, its own police force and it also controls some of its public services.
Now the problem is that Catalonia believes that it pays too much in the form of taxes and gets nothing in return.
Now to end this matter once and for all, Catalonia decided to have a referendum just like Brexit.It was immediately declared illegal by the Spanish parliament and they ordered the police forces to shut down all polling booths.Catalonia tried to keep the referendum alive by making make-shift pole booths in schools and public hospitals.Though Catalonia took these measures, only 43% of eligible voters voted.Out of this 43 %, 90% voted for independence from Spain.As voters moved into polling booths, police forces intercepted them and tried to stop them from voting but all their effort went in vain.
Then came the turn of the Catalan parliament, on 27th October 2017, the parliament officially declared its independence from Spain.In retaliation, the Spanish parliament for the first time in Spanish history invoked article 155 of the Spanish constitution, allowing direct control over the region.
Spain is against this "independence" movement.Madrid has taken decisions to dissolve the Catalan parliament, still considering it as an integral part of Spain.It has fired "pro-independent" Catalan leaders and has called for a regional election which will take place on 21st December of this year.In retaliation to this, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has urged Catalan civil servants to disobey Madrid and continue protests.
This crisis is not suspected to turn into a full-scale armed civil war.But, it will jeopardize Spanish and European economy as most of the Spanish economy comes from the Catalan region.This movement will also set an example for upcoming independence movement from various other unions.To get a better perspective, let's look at some numbers.
Catalonia accounts for 16% of the Spanish population.It is responsible for Spain's 25.6% of exports.It accounts for 19% of Spanish GDP and 20.7% of Spanish investment happens through this region.
Through these numbers, we can conclude that Catalonia is incredibly important for Spain economically and industrially.Spain can potentially face an economic depression if Catalonia quits Spain and becomes an Independent nation.Not only this, Spain won't be able to sustain its developing cities.
This conflict could have easily been avoided if the Spanish majority had treated the Catalan minority equally.If Spain had treated Catalan culture, heritage, and language with respect and dignity, the very fundamental cause of the revolution would have been eliminated.
Therefore we see how a group of dedicated people can bring a change in society and can change global scenario.Nearly 40 years of hostility between two ethnic groups living in one nation could be brought to an end.Spain should understand that Catalans are Spanish citizens and Spain has a responsibility towards them.Only time will tell what is next for the Catalan Crisis.