CATALONIA -- 2014: Time for outside actors to help steer the Catalan process? - Col·lectiu Emma

2014: Time for outside actors to help steer the Catalan process? - Col·lectiu Emma

Catalans have set off on a road that could lead to
their nation's independence from Spain. The reasons they advance for
wanting to take that road – historic, cultural, economic, social and
political – have been thoroughly explained and are increasingly
recognized as valid in many quarters. For some, the decision to seek an
alternative to the present political arrangement was made only after all
proposals to help reshape the state as a true "nation of nations" had
been met with rejection, often with the added grievance of a humiliating
treatment. And, lately, with a hardening of the other side's positions
and a drift back toward illiberal policies calling to mind a dictatorial
past that Spain was supposed to have overcome. Many feel that failing
to act now would mean accepting the subordinate role reserved to
Catalonia in the Spanish order, today and in history, and ultimately
giving in to Spain's design of complete assimilation.


Catalans have now drawn up a plan of their own, and so far they have
been giving the world an example of how things should be done.
Patiently, taking action only after their proposals had been repeatedly
turned down. Inclusively, relying on the strengths of all segments of
society and not rejecting anyone on any grounds. Peacefully, coming out
in hundreds of thousands into the streets to declare their
determination, showing no hostility to others and spurning every form of
violence. Democratically, with their elected representatives acting on
the people's wishes rather than dictating an agenda from above, and
managing to bring together unlikely partners from the right and the left
in a wide coalition. Responsibly, with most political forces –
excluding only those that excluded themselves from the beginning –
working to reach a deal and drive the process forward. And with an open
mind: even now, the Catalan leadership is offering to explore with their
Spanish counterparts every option of a negotiated agreement rather than
going for a rash unilateral move. If this doesn't have all the markings
of a velvet revolution, what does?


2014 will be a crucial year for Catalonia. All signs – the balance of
political forces in Parliament, the consistent results of every opinion
poll and the impressive demonstrations, not to mention the lack of
credible alternatives on the unionist side – point to the fact that a
tipping point has been reached. A majority of Catalans want a real
change, and their representatives have pledged to provide the means for
them to determine the direction that this change should take. Their
proposal – and the obvious way to dispel all doubts about the Catalans'
intentions ¬– is a referendum on the issue, much like the one that is
planned for Scotland in September. No one beyond Spain's borders is
seriously questioning the legitimacy of that course of action. And yet
the Spanish establishment – with the government and the opposition
united in an unsettling show of intransigence on this point – is
hell-bent on preventing it. This is how things stand at the beginning of
the new year – in an awkward impasse.

***

Up to now, the official line in international circles is that the
Catalan situation is Spain's internal affair. Everyone's aware, however,
that whichever way things play out the consequences won't stop at the
border and that, if allowed to drag on, the present uncertainty will be
damaging to all – in Catalonia, in Spain and beyond. If the Spanish side
keeps refusing to budge and if every proposal coming from Catalonia
continues to be blocked on a technicality or simply ignored, some form
of involvement by third parties may be required to break the deadlock.
The good offices of external actors could indeed help Spain reach its
own tipping point. Much as they resist the idea, the people there no
less than the politicians will have to come to terms with the fact that,
paraphrasing PM Cameron's words about Scotland, Catalans can't be kept
in Spain against their will.

A measure of quiet diplomacy is probably all that is called for at this
stage. Foreign actors who have a definite clout over a cash-strapped and
politically bruised Spain may want to use that clout to nudge its
politicians into doing the sensible thing. There have already been a few
public hints to that effect, and probably more than a few private ones
as well. But, even this early in the game, a stronger signal would not
be out of order. Especially to ensure that there is no foul play – and,
one would hope, no violence – on the part of those who feel that their
interests may be threatened by the Catalans' choice. And it should also
be clear to all that things have reached a stage where any attempt to
sideline the Catalan people – by denying them their right to speak, by
strong-arming their leadership or by trying to fix a last-resort deal
behind closed doors – won't help solve the problem but only postpone it
and compound it. The only acceptable outcome from a democratic
perspective at this point is a vote, and the immediate goal for all
should be helping to find a way for Catalans to have their say. And
then, if they do indeed decide that they want their own state, it will
be everyone's responsibility to watch over the ensuing process in order
to guarantee that it is the people's freely expressed will that carries
the day.