So, what does the Scotland ‘No’ vote mean for Catalonia? Well, in truth, not an awful lot really, but it has made the public in Catalonia (and many other countries worldwide) sit up and take notice. Particularly the ‘turnout’ figures.
Catalonia’s rather smug looking President, Artur Mas reckons that the Scottish referendum “shows the way” for a similar vote in Calalonia in November.
The Spanish government is strongly opposed to any kind of referendum and regardless of what happens in the Catalan parliament, which meets shortly to beat out a new law which will ultimately allow the go-ahead for the November vote. In an attempt to stop the vote, the central government is taking the argument before the Constitutional Court.
However, none of this bothers Mr. Mas, who sees the “No” victory in Scotland not as a bad omen, but that being able to vote at all was “the key point.”
“Scotland has shown the way to the rest of the world” Mr. Mas explained, “and the Catalan process will continue.”
The vote has been promised by Mr. Mas for the Catalan people on 9th November, however he has still to reckon with the might of the Rajoy government who see any such vote as illegal.
Mr. Mas said, “If Madrid thinks that they can use the legal system to stop the will of the Catalan people they are mistaken. My main aim is to organize a referendum and let the Catalan people vote.”
As for Prime Minister Rajoy’s take on the Scottish vote? “The Scottish decision has avoided terrible social, economic and political consequences that would have resulted in their alienation from the United Kingdom and Europe,” he said.
This coming Tuesday the Spanish Constitutional court will consider the Catalan issue and that could result in the suspension of Catalonia’s vote, at least.
So, very different than the Scottish vote, with it’s ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns… Basically, Catalonia is saying that they are having a referendum on 9th November and Madrid is saying ‘no you’re bloody well not.’ The question is, will they go ahead with the vote even if it is deemed illegal? Would the offer for more powers dilute the will of the Catalans? Probably not.
Perhaps not as exciting as the Scottish vote at the moment, but over the coming weeks and months it could well evolve into a bitter confrontation, both politically and on the streets… watch this space!