Catalonia, once an independent region of the Iberian Peninsula, had its own culture, language, and laws. In 1150, the marriage of the Queen of Aragon and the Count of Barcelona led their son to inherit all territories concerning the region of Aragon and Catalonia. As time went on, many kings tried to impose the Spanish language and law onto the Catalans, but in the end, they gave up and restored the old Catalan government. While Catalonia has never been independent, it has always valued its autonomy.

Since the integration of Catalonia into Spain, the people of Catalonia faced dictatorial rule attempting to end Catalonian institutions. Catalonia maintained a degree of autonomy under the Spanish crown until King Felipe V signed a series of decrees, cutting down on Catalonia’s independent government and culture. Spain became a republic in 1931, and Catalonia was granted an autonomous government. Unfortunately, a dictator soon came to power: General Francisco Franco seized control of Barcelona in 1939 and executed Catalan political leaders. For decades, Catalans suffered under his rule because of his suppression of Catalan culture and dissolution of their autonomy.

Despite facing constant adversity, Catalonia seeks independence because it feels so different from Spain. Most Catalans consider Catalan to be the official language of Catalonia. In fact, Catalan is closer to French than Spanish.

Many Catalans feel that they pay high taxes and suffer under austerity with a country that they do not share anything in common. As the wealthiest region of Spain, Catalonia accounts for 20% of Spain’s GDP. Not only that, but Catalonia produces 25% of Spain’s exports. Many Catalans believe that if they did break away from Spain, their budget deficits could become surplus. This could prove true, because many business investments, such as Volkswagen and Nissan, have preferred to set up their plants near Barcelona than other cities.  Thus, Catalans feel that they could be self-sufficient.  Lucas Chen ‘21 agrees, that “…they could be their own successful country, due to their economic success.”

Now the conflict has come to a climax. On October 1, 2017, the Catalonian government held a referendum for independence, despite condemnation from the Madrid government. Madrid then sent in the Civil Guard to prevent people from voting. The Civil Guard shot rubber bullets and beat voters trying to enter polling stations. While the former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont declared Catalonia as an independent republic, Spanish Prime minister Mariano Rajoy invoked Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, allowing the Spanish central government to take over a province’s government, and thus sacking Puigdemont from his presidency. Mr. Puigdemont condemned these actions and likened them to the actions of General Franco. As Jackie Wong ‘20 points out: “…that Spain’s treatment of the situation is appalling because they have resorted to imprisoning political leaders and demanding the arrest of others.”

On November 2nd, a judge in Madrid ordered eight members of the deposed Catalan Parliament to be taken into custody regarding the declaration of independence. On the other hand, Puigdemont had already fled to Brussels before the Spanish Attorney General could press charges. When the national court summoned him and four other officials to testify, they declined and remained in Belgium. They ignored all further requests. Consequently, the Spanish national court ordered for Puigdemont’s arrest along with the four other regional members that also fled to Belgium.

As the situation continues to unfold, the conflict appears to be arriving at a stalemate. Madrid has incarcerated members of the independence movement and ordered that others be arrested. Puigdemont and his officials have refused to return and submit to the national court’s demands. The ideals of democracy are held in balance and it is still unclear how a winning solution can be found. Spain’s central government plans to conduct a new election for the Catalan regional government and release it from the Article 155 takeover. However, the long-term stability of the Catalan region is likely to be continually challenged.