Spain/Catalan Vote

The Fear

The Fear

A Wise Man (once sat next to him)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41463719

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says the Spanish region has won the right to statehood following a contentious referendum that was marred by violence.

He said the door was open to a unilateral declaration of independence after Catalan officials said voters had backed secession with a 42.3% turnout.

Police were total thugs by the looks of videos being released.

Thoughts?
 
I imagine the turnout would have been far higher had the police not beaten many of them to a pulp.

I'm not sure of the legalities etc. of the referendum, but Catalonia is a big problem for the Madrid government, and it's not going away.
 
Legally, the Madrid government is in the right. Morally, they've lost all credibility. It rather reminds me of the early days of the Northern Ireland situation in the late 1960s.
 
agreed, they could have let it go ahead - having said it was going to be invalid, then repeated whatever the vote was, it was invalid.

Sending thugs to beat up those trying to exercise a democratic right though, totally lost credibility and the higher ground.
 
You are right BBJ. Holding the referendum was against Spanish Law, but the actions of the National Police was way over the top.

Surely the best way to approach this would of been to ensure the ballot boxes didn't get to the voting stations in the first place, not take action on the day the 'voting' was to take place?......




 
A good day all round for Catalan independence. Although it's hard to see that as a good thing.
 
Wouldn't be good for Spain, the Catalan region is the most affluent in Spain isn't it?!
 
Even the minority in Catalonia who do not support independence must be questioning their governments attitude towards this today.
 
The Fear - 3/10/2017 03:58

Wouldn't be good for Spain, the Catalan region is the most affluent in Spain isn't it?!
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I guess if Catalonia secedes, the other regions in Spain will want out too. The Basque region covers parts of Spain and France so you have a spill over.

Maybe the EU negates the advantages of being part of a big country but without an EU army, an EU made up of a few hundred tiny countries would find it harder to defend itself against Russia.
 
And the EU Commission comes out and supports the Spanish government's actions as reported on BBC news. What a loathsome organisation, they bankrupt Greece leading to 50% youth unemployment, steal money from Cyprus bank accounts, and now support the suppression of democracy by violent means. What a club to be a member of, more like a crime syndicate.
 
Pride of Lions - 2/10/2017 13:08

You are right BBJ. Holding the referendum was against Spanish Law, but the actions of the National Police was way over the top.

Surely the best way to approach this would of been to ensure the ballot boxes didn't get to the voting stations in the first place, not take action on the day the 'voting' was to take place?......
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Pretty sure they tried that and the Catalan Government also took doors off hinges to prevent them being barred which I think was a classic.

I back them - I wouldnt go as far as to say it was obvious but it seems like they went gung-ho for publicity and the Spanish Government played straight into their hands.

It may be 'illegal' but what does that really mean? I mean yes things have to be done correctly but also do you risk civil uprising? Can you really force a few million people to follow the rule and culture of another when they clearly do not want it? I mean you can in this day and age but sadly thats a banking and big government thing. I don't feel like that the right to self determination is truly honored in the west. 90% of those people seemingly want out and some were beaten for trying to do it but some national leaders wont come out and condemn it they'd prefer to say they didnt tick a few boxes and sit themselves right on the fence.
 
Wurzel - 2/10/2017 14:49

And the EU Commission comes out and supports the Spanish government's actions as reported on BBC news. What a loathsome organisation, they bankrupt Greece leading to 50% youth unemployment, steal money from Cyprus bank accounts, and now support the suppression of democracy by violent means. What a club to be a member of, more like a crime syndicate.
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:1: Spot on Wurzel, I was thinking along those lines myself...

Roll on Brexit eh?.....


 
I'm reluctant to be VV's defender of the EU but for the sake of balance, what would you expect the EU to do?
 
Catalonia crisis: Spain moves to suspend autonomy

Spain is to start suspending Catalonia's autonomy from Saturday, as the region's leader threatens to declare independence. The government said ministers would meet to activate Article 155 of the constitution, allowing it to take over running of the region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41678086

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This is going to go well!
 
mike_field - 19/10/2017 22:24

Catalonia crisis: Spain moves to suspend autonomy

Spain is to start suspending Catalonia's autonomy from Saturday, as the region's leader threatens to declare independence. The government said ministers would meet to activate Article 155 of the constitution, allowing it to take over running of the region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41678086

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This is going to go well!
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Yes, direct rule has been SO successful in Northern Ireland.....
 
Well you think of this kind of thing happening in piss pot countries not European civilised countries, wait till the Independent Redditch brigade take to the streets.
 
Catalonia independence: Puigdemont 'will not accept' Rajoy plan

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says Catalonia will not accept Madrid's plan to impose direct rule on the region. He described it as the worst attack on Catalonia's institutions since General Franco's 1939-1975 dictatorship, under which regional autonomy was dissolved.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41710873
 
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