A Year Later, Spain Remains Divided

Pro-Catalan Independence protestors march with flags.

Protests broke out in the streets of Barcelona on September 29. These demonstrations were organized by pro-independent Spaniards to mark the anniversary of the Catalonian independence referendum.

In October 2017, Catalonia held a vote to decide whether or not to secede from Spain. The vote brought with it widespread police violence, the exile of separatist leaders, and resentment towards the government in Madrid. While the region remains a part of Spain, the wounds from last year have not yet healed.

The clashes between separatists and Catalan police left 24 individuals injured, and six protesters were arrested. Despite recent political efforts to appease Catalonia and reunify Spain psychologically, bitterness and resentment still exist on both sides.

Much of the country remains deeply divided on the issue of independence. Relationships continue to be strained as friends and family try to work through their political differences. Barcelona resident Teresa Reyes recalls how the vote severely damaged her relationship with her pro-independence son. She continues to avoid associating with separatists outside the family.

Catalonia’s desire for independence stems from a long-held resentment towards the Spanish government for how it has treated the region. Separatists believe that Catalonia has given more to Spain than it has received, as the region contributes a significant amount of money to taxes that support poorer parts of the country. This resentment, coupled with the region’s unique language and culture, has led many to believe that Catalonia deserves to be its own autonomous state.

The regional government’s requests for a legitimate vote were denied, but one was eventually held anyway in spite of Madrid’s warnings. On the day of the referendum, police used excessive force against non-threatening protestors. In addition to the violence, access to polling stations was heavily impeded, making it difficult to obtain accurate results. At the end of the referendum, the Catalonian government tweeted that the votes were 90 percent yes and 8 percent no.

However, the vote was not legitimized by Madrid. Instead of permitting the region to secede, Spain refused to recognize the results, and separatist leaders fled to avoid imprisonment. This lack of resolution left the country where it was before the vote: still divided and facing rising tensions.

The issue of Catalonian independence is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, as both sides remain firm in their united or separatist stances. Those on the left continue to push for independence and seek a second referendum, this time sanctioned by the Spanish government. Spanish government officials like Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez want to focus on the future of the region as part of a unified nation. Until a proposal is introduced that can appease both sides, Catalonia will continue to be a contentious region in Spain.