November 25th, 2020

It was October 1st, 2017. I got home and put on the TV. I saw ruthless confrontation between Pro-Spain and Pro-Independence protestors in Barcelona. Broken glass and molotov cocktails, screaming, insulting, and vandalism all round. Hundreds in jail and thousands injured.

I was witnessing the Catalan Independence Referendum. History was unfolding before my eyes. The Madrid government had declared it illegal; seizing ballot papers. Nonetheless, with merely 30% of the electorate participating, the result of the referendum known before it even begun, I watched in disbelief the proclamation of the Catalan Republic. Pro-Spaniards left the Parliament, leaving flags in protest. Only 14 at the time, I couldn’t quite comprehend the implications of such an event. And yet there was a gut feeling in me wondering: “Where did it all go so terribly wrong?” 3 years later, that feeling has only multiplied. Things are worse than ever.

In just 15 years time, a once united, coexisting society has been unfathomably torn apart. Polarized and intolerant. A Catalan gets irritated when he hears someone speaking Spanish and a Spaniard rolls his eyes when someone has a Catalan accent. How then, do we solve such a predicament? This is the Catalan Independence Paradox.

The Uncommon Sense Approach:

The approach of the Spanish government has been to rely on the power of the judiciary, arguing that the Referendum went against the constitutional laws of the state, and that the “separatists” had committed a crime. And yes, it’s true, you cannot go against the law. And it’s also true that you cannot govern without the law. But it’s even more true that you cannot solve such a deep division only with the law. You need to also listen, to try to understand one another, to dialogue. Because the hallmark of a good politician should not lie in his ignorant inflexibility, but in his realism, in his ability to make compromises and negotiate for the greater good. To the discomfort of many, I find this the only way to reach a solution.

What we must do is talk to the Catalan people. Go on the street and ask them one simple question:

“Why do you want an independent Catalonia?”

What you would expect to find are many valid concerns that, through constant alienation and neglect, has led many towards the extremism of independence. What would be surprising to many is that most of their concerns can be resolved within a Spanish Federal state, without breaking national unity, and without breaking any laws. In my opinion, I believe that it is not in the best interest of Catalans to pursue independence at all costs, as their politicians, who depend on factionalization for survival, make them believe. Then, by convincing people, their flawed logic will be exposed. Catalonia will prosper much more economically if it remains, and Spain’s regional autonomy can allow Catalan cultural and linguistic diversity to flourish, like in many other Spanish regions: the Basque Country or Galicia to name a few.

The diversity within Spain is something that should be celebrated, something that makes us inherently Spanish.We cannot let it become what tears us apart. What we must do is present a compelling argument of why Catalonia is better off with Spain and demonstrate how Catalonia has a place in a reformed Spain. Only then can we reach some kind of agreement. Because how can we expect Catalans to want to be part of a Spain which half of the time acts like it doesn’t want it all?

You cannot presume to end such an issue via censorship, banning pro-Catalan parties, or jailing their leaders. This is not going to change people’s minds; it will only lead to a further division of Catalan Society. Only dialogue and understanding with real people with real demands; can change people’s minds.

Listen to Episode 1 now on all major listening platforms.

M.L.