CATALONIA -- Quel rivoluzionario in abito grigio che vuole liberare la Catalogna (CONCITA DE GREGORIO). | Triskel182
Quel rivoluzionario in abito grigio che vuole liberare la Catalogna (CONCITA DE GREGORIO). | Triskel182
That revolutionary in a gray suit who wants to liberate Catalonia (Conchita DE GREGORIO).
Talk Artur Mas, President of the autonomous region: "We are tired to Spain because we gave more than he has given us."
Divorce.
BARCELONA-THIS is an interview with a revolutionary in a gray suit. A man outside Spain know in a few. It's called Artur
Mas, is the president of the autonomous region of Catalonia and is going to trigger an earthquake. Initiated a process of no return, wants an independent Catalonia from Spain.
This is an interview with a revolutionary in a gray suit. A man outside Spain know in a few and there is a reason, he explains: "If I was a footballer I played halfback. That was my role, as a boy: midfielder. Run, run. I do not like politics. It's a necessary evil. I do it because there is no other way to accomplish what you can do. " His name is Artur Mas, is the president of the autonomous region of Catalonia and is going to trigger an earthquake. For Spain and for Europe, for us. Initiated a process of no return, the Catalonia wants independence from Spain, set for November 9, 2014 the date of the referendum among the seven and a half million citizens who governs and patience Madrid says that if you can not do, never mind if Mariano Rajoy takes the baton and said absolutely not, is unconstitutional. "We're going to vote anyway," he says quiet. If it will not be a referendum - "but it will be, will be ..." - he is ready to drop his council before the deadline, 2016, and immediately hold early elections by turning them into a vote for or against independence. And if Europe is not to say you will do the same. His name is Artur Mas, and should get to know it in time, listen to him.
It's Christmas Eve. A moment before entering his study comes out that door Jordi Pujol, 83, founder of the party Mas - Convergence - and for 23 years president of Catalonia. A giant of Spanish politics of the twentieth century. Pujol, in perfect Italian, stops for a moment to talk about the non-election of Mr Prodi. Accurately indicates the name of who in his opinion has orchestrated the ambush. He smiles, tells anecdotes about the alleged principal. He knows the story in subtle details. Then inquires about Renzi. He smiles again. "Well, good luck to his country. Remember, talking with President Mas, which we do not know Catalan xenophobia. In Italy, yes, I think. Not here. The issue of independence, contrary to what happens elsewhere, even from you in the past with the League, it has nothing to do with the contempt of the stranger nor of the weakest is a reason only economic. On the contrary. Justice and Charity, this is inspired by my policy from the beginning. We have a long tradition of hospitality, service. The Catalan nationalism is a story of generosity, therefore, quite alien to the Lega. But do not wait for the president, please. I'm here right now for the good wishes, we rarely talk about but I am sure that his words will be mine. " Last smile. Mas is 57 years old, is a patient man and coached expectation, has twice won the election but political alliances have left him in opposition to the third victory ruled. Now rules. A 'director', says almost shyly, "Catalan however," those who occasionally also mark. Type Xavi, intends, or Iniesta. Pep Guardiola has spent his recent words of enthusiasm. More than for Renzi, to understand each other. On the other hand look at Mas Renzi with attentive interest: "I think that we would understand well, I hope to meet him soon." President, because he wants the independent Catalonia? "I do not want it, the citizens want. Look at the balconies at the windows, watching the flags on display. In the city and in the countryside, in the center and on the outskirts, in the homes of those who vote and those who vote on the right to the left. It is a transversal movement and collective. Two million people took to the streets on September 11, they made a human chain. There was no anger in the streets, there was hope. It was a feast. The Catalans want to go to vote, no one can stop us from doing so. Going to vote is a defining trait of democracy. " Why now? The reasons are not the same as ten or twenty years ago? "For tiredness, fatigue. Why just now. We gave Spain a lot more than it has given us, always. For too long, too. Too long. The marriage is over. There can be separated with civilization, remaining good neighbors. " It is therefore an economic issue, it is the giving and receiving? It's like trying to get rid of a father that when you're already an adult pays you monthly and also tells you what to do with it? "He's a father who loves his son, the one that forces him to a subordinate relationship beyond the time allowed. We live in a condition of tenants of a hostile owner. Simply: we no longer accept those conditions are unjust. Our range is in conditions of great weakness, it all depends on the central government which historically pay taxes to an extent vastly superior to what we are then redistributed to the needs of our people. This is the origin of the serious fiscal deficit that last year put us in a position to apply for a loan that we're giving back, we will return everything. But enough. " More and tax revenues, autonomy in the management of taxes, always of money we're talking about. "No, we're talking about our history. I have 57 years, I have not been able to study Catalan, my tongue in school. In the Franco regime was forbidden. Today, the entire population is bilingual. Our traditions, our identities have never pretended to overwhelm anyone. Our policy is one of inclusion, acceptance, as always, and respect. But we want to be respected, and this government does not. Relations with the People's Party have become very difficult, really. " The historical leader of his party, Jordi Pujol, has been in prison under the Franco regime. Manuel Fraga, one of the historical leaders of the PP, was minister of Franco. Perhaps the story was the fact that the PP is in very conservative positions on today and Convergence, his party, closest to the left, an ally of Esquerra republican? "It is not a question of right or left. It is true that the Spanish People's Party positions today, also on the right, very conservative. And it is true that in itself keeps Convergence components liberal, social democratic, Christian Democrat and even communist. Zapatero has lost, in Spain, hence the PP won the elections by a large majority. But in Catalunya is all very different. Here the instances are really cross-independence, and I think to get to the break with the central government would cause difficulty for conservatives and socialists Catalans with outcomes, even at the national level, unpredictable. " She was not born independently Tista, it has become in recent times. Some might be wary, think of a convenience election. She goes where the wind blows. "Personally, I only disadvantages. Only major problems. I do not think of me, in fact I think I'll leave early in the policy. I will make the most of another term, if the conditions will be, to take the project forward. I want to go back to my life. What do I do for a collective project of the future in which I am engaged. Politics, like I said, not my thing. I am tiring but it is necessary. " He is ready to bring down his government if they say no to Madrid referendum? "They are going to vote anyway, yes. But I think the referendum will be. " And if they won the no to independence? The Catalans want to go to vote but polls say that with respect to the question, yes or no, are divided in half. "I think they will win the yes. However, at issue in the first place to go is the right to vote to express themselves. Member States are made of citizens. Must be able to decide. Then of course I will take the political responsibility of the result, in any case. " If Europe is to say no to the referendum? "The pressures are strong. Sovereign states do not want problems if you can avoid them. There will be the precedent of Scotland, who will vote before us. Then will come Catalonia. I also considered that in the initial moment, between the referendum and the proclamation of independence, we could stay out of Europe. Not the euro: the Union. It would be a shame, because we want to stay. We should find a transitional arrangement to avoid expulsion from the Union. We would however request to return. We want to stay in the euro, the Union, Schengen and NATO. " He believes that the banking system would support you? "Banks are not interested in politics, what we seek is solvency. The Catalans have 28 thousand euro per capita income, like the Germans. Spanish banks have 20 percent of their market here. In the business world the ideals do not exist, there is an interest. " Catalonia is really ready to break away from Spain? It is not just one way, this, to cash in on the outcome of the vote and go to Madrid to negotiate a different tax system and greater autonomy? "No. The political season of intermediaries, underhand tricks, of those who have different words for different interlocutors is over. The twentieth century is over. Of course, after a referendum must be handled is obvious. It discusses. But as we discuss in part with prejudice of good neighborly relations. Just this. Do not let the break, let's empowerment. On this there will be no reverse gears. " It seems very optimistic, most of the newspapers in the morning. "I'm an optimist down to earth. I am a realist. " They say that she does not have enough charisma to lead a revolution. "Charisma? At school I did well in all subjects but excelled at none. I have always done my duty. At one point I chose the policy, after the entrepreneur. It 'was a choice and honor. I do not know if I love it, I think I respect. In the end I prefer it. " Guardiola estimation and claims. She, in turn, thinks it might cheer Bayern Monaco? "You must be joking. My team is the boat. Bayern is my rival. Pep Guardiola is my friend. " If Catalonia can not go to a vote do you expect to happen? "The referendum will take place, and the Catalans win. You will see. instead we're going to early elections. I think for a little later, I'll still remain. It will not be easy, but nothing has been easy for us. Never. "
From The Republic of 27/12/2013.
