Catalonian referendum

[robbieh]

Some decent comments on both sides here.

The financial issue is an interesting one. In the same way that Spain likes the EU, as a net beneficiary, Extramadura one of the poorest autonomous regions would not want to leave Spain. But if for some weird reason they did would Madrid be bothered?

Knowing many people in Andalucia I get the impression they feel that Catalans are a bit superior and look down on them. The catalans are always raising the "we earn it you spend it" argument much loved by the northern Italians with regard to Rome, Naples etc.

However for me the main fault lies with PM Rajoy who seems quite happy to resurrect the ghosts of the past. Some of the comments coming from his party beggar belief. One minister said the catalan president Puigemont could go the same way as Lluis Companys, the catalan president executed by Franco's troops at the end of the civil war. The arrest of two high profile Independistas has only worsened the situation.

 

[Blue Llama]

Spain doesn't like referendums,full stop. They don't accept the Gibraltar one which was over 90% to remain British so no chance of them risking a result they don't like in Catalonia.

 

[robbieh]

A Spanish minister basically said Guardiola should keep his mouth shut adding that Pep knows as much about politics as the minister knows about particle physics.

Obviously the minister is an idiot as we are all entitled to our opinions political or otherwise.

However as the situation lurches into evermore dangerous territory I think Pep should not issue political statements while he is doing his day job.

 

[john lett]

Spanish government saying it will trigger article 155 on Saturday taking away Catalonias autonomy, the Guardia Civil are already polishing their truncheons

 

[Southern]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41704759

Catalonia vote: Spain expected to impose direct rule

The Spanish cabinet is expected to approve measures allowing the government to impose direct rule over Catalonia.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy meets with his cabinet almost three weeks after the region held a referendum.

The Spanish government says the vote was illegal, but Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says he has been given a mandate to declare independence.

 

[The blue phantom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41704759

Catalonia vote: Spain expected to impose direct rule

The Spanish cabinet is expected to approve measures allowing the government to impose direct rule over Catalonia.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy meets with his cabinet almost three weeks after the region held a referendum.

The Spanish government says the vote was illegal, but Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says he has been given a mandate to declare independence.

So today's the day. This isn't going to end well.

 

[Hoghead]

Spain doesn't like referendums,full stop. They don't accept the Gibraltar one which was over 90% to remain British so no chance of them risking a result they don't like in Catalonia.

The actions of the Spanish police/militia should only reinforce the will of the people of Gibraltar. If Gibraltar is ceded to Spain you would expect them to receive the same treatment as the Catalonia.

 

[city saint]

my daughters are taking grandsons to barca stadium today hope it dosnt kick off

 

[Southern]

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

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.

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy's plans include the removal of Catalonia's leaders and curbs on its parliament.

It follows the independence referendum that went ahead despite being banned by Spain's Constitutional Court.

 

[Pam]

This is a dangerous moment for Europe. Needs to be sorted without violence.