Kenny Farquharson: Off to sunny Spain
The Steamie hears that First Minister Alex Salmond is heading off to Catalonia tonight on an official visit.
It's an intriguing prospect.
The nationalist movement has dominated politics in Catalonia for a generation - the legendary Jordi Pujol ruled for more than 20 years before being finally beaten in 2003.
In that time Pujol didn't exactly bust a gut to demand full independence.
On the contrary, he seemed content to rule within the context of a unified Spain, with a high degree of autonomy from Madrid.
That autonomy was enhanced in 2006 after a referendum held by the new government - a socialist-led coalition.
And Catalonia thrives - politically, culturally and economically.
In other words, Catalonia follows the model that Salmond rejects for Scotland's role within the UK.
It'll be interesting to see how he plays this one.
It's an intriguing prospect.
The nationalist movement has dominated politics in Catalonia for a generation - the legendary Jordi Pujol ruled for more than 20 years before being finally beaten in 2003.
In that time Pujol didn't exactly bust a gut to demand full independence.
On the contrary, he seemed content to rule within the context of a unified Spain, with a high degree of autonomy from Madrid.
That autonomy was enhanced in 2006 after a referendum held by the new government - a socialist-led coalition.
And Catalonia thrives - politically, culturally and economically.
In other words, Catalonia follows the model that Salmond rejects for Scotland's role within the UK.
It'll be interesting to see how he plays this one.
Labels: Alex Salmond, Catalonia, Kenny Farquharson, Spain
posted by Administrator at
12:40
3 Comments:
Kenny, sorry, you are totally wrong! I live in Catalonia, it's NOT thriving it's being strangled/resources plundered by central govt. - sound familiar? Lots of angry Catalans, independence gaining ground through frustration. PLEASE get decent info. - Avui, El Periodico de Cataluña, La Vanguardia
Kenny, another wee point: you say
"..autonomy was enhanced in 2006 after a referendum held by the new government - a socialist-led coalition."
NOT - central govt. is STILL 2 years later refusing to implement the enhancement, which was anyway severely curtailed in Madrid.
And incidentally, it's not sunny just now, it's cold and wet, the Barça/Madrid classic last night was miserable (except that Barça won!)
Hello Joyce, great to have someone with first-hand info. Please feel free to expand on the points you're making - the whole question of Scotland/Catalonia/Quebec comparisons is always fascinating. Any numbers/links/anecdotes/insights would be very welcome.
Best,
Kenny Farquharson, The Steamie
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