Spain and Catalonia: a tale older than the 17th century separatist movement that has long influenced Spanish affairs. Catalonia is an autonomous community that occupies a triangular area in the northeastern corner of Spain and has been a part of Spain since the 15th Century (Rodriguez).
Catalonia has made itself independently wealthy and has developed the most successful industries in Spain. Some of this industry includes tourism, textiles, and agriculture. Before the Spanish Civil War, Catalonia enjoyed its autonomy, but under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco from 1939-1975, this autonomy was suppressed (Catalonia Referendum). Under Franco’s rule, the Catalan language was banned, as well as Catalan institutions, such as the Government of Catalonia being abolished (Pretus). A few years after Franco’s death, under the 1978 Constitution, Catalonia’s autonomy was restored.
In 2006 Catalonia was acknowledged as a “nation” and granted more power and influence, but Spain’s Constitutional Court reversed much of this 2006 power in a following 2010 decision. The regional authorities of Catalonia were angered by this (Catalonia Referendum). Much of this happened around the time of economic crisis in Spain.
A few major issues call for a change in the dynamic between Spain and Catalonia. I’ll point out two that came up in conversation during my month in Spain and Catalonia this year: One being the diversity that exists. Acknowledging the diverse and sacred cultural practice and identities that exist in Catalonia as being wholly independent of those in Spain is important to the culture that has sustained itself throughout the centuries. Second, Catalonia’s financial contributions to Spain and the lack of return Catalonia sees on their taxes and financial success. Catalonia is a huge contributor to Spain’s wealth as the industry is much stronger in Catalonia, even the unemployment rate is a few points lower than Spain. The influence Catalonia has is slim and their autonomy is even slimmer, while they are a major part of the success of Spain. Many Catalonian’s feel they are taking care of Spain while Spain and the politicians in Madrid are not returning the favor.
It is important to acknowledge the cultural implications of diversity and the need to maintain identity and pass it on. The cultural values of any community vary, and Spain and Catalonia experience many differences in their cultural practices and values that need to be considered and honored. Additionally, the financial success of Catalonia has consistently been of great benefit to Spain. Catalonian’s want to see themselves represented in economics and government as they contribute greatly to the economy and many feel underrepresented and ignored.
References:
Catalonia referendum: Does the region want to leave Spain? (2017, October 28). Retrieved November 9, 2017, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29478415
Pretus, N. H. (2017, October 01). How Spain Misunderstood the Catalan Independence Movement. Retrieved November 10, 2017, from https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/10/catalan-referendum-spain-independence/541656/
Rodriguez, V. (2017, November 08). Catalonia. Retrieved November 10, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Catalonia
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