10,000 police from Spain tried to stop a Catalonia independence referendum but failed.
In the wake of the referendum, in which 90% voted for independence, Catalans now refer to the Spanish police as an occupation force.
Mayors in two cities booted 500 of them. What’s Next?
Anti-Police Strike Hits Public Services
The above images from the BBC article Anti-police strike hits public services.
Insurrection Comments from Eurointelligence
We don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call what has been going on in Catalonia for the past four weeks – not four days – an insurrection. After the show of popular mobilization at Sunday’s independence vote, the next step is a “national stoppage” today.
There have also been serious incidents between Spanish security forces and the public which, though limited so far, could easily escalate. People are beginning to refer to the over 10,000 officers brought in from outside Catalonia as “occupation forces”. 500 National Police and Guardia Civil have been asked to leave three hotels in the town of Calella, and at least one in the town of Pineda del Mar. This is the result of political pressure on the hotels from the mayors, following a confrontation in Calella between some of the Guardia Civil officers and the public. Late on Sunday evening a group of about 200 people gathered in front of one of the hotels to protest Sunday’s events. At one point a small group of Guardia Civil left the hotel in plain clothes, but armed with batons, and charged the protesters through the police cordon set up by the Catalan regional police.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the tone of the official reaction from the EU and the other member states shifted somewhat. To the usual endorsements of the Spanish constitution and reminders that this is an internal issue of Spain, now officials add calls for dialogue. The first came on Sunday afternoon in a tweet from Belgium’ PM (@CharlesMichel), who has since been joined by the German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel. At Monday’s midday briefing, the European Commission also issued a statement with these new elements:
“We call on all relevant players to now move very swiftly from confrontation to dialogue. Violence can never be an instrument in politics. We trust the leadership of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to manage this difficult process in full respect of the Spanish Constitution and of the fundamental rights of citizens enshrined therein.”
We don’t share the Commission’s trust in Rajoy’s leadership. As yesterday’s Financial Times editorial recalls,
“The original sin of Spain’s central authorities, and of Mr. Rajoy’s conservative Popular party, was to torpedo a revised statute of autonomy for Catalonia agreed in 2006 and partially struck down in 2010 by the Spanish constitutional court.”
The PP’s torpedoing was the constitutionality complaint that led to the 2010 ruling, which goes to show that the instrumentalization of the Spanish constitutional court for political purposes is standard operating procedure for Rajoy.
On Sunday, Rajoy promised to convene all political parties represented in the Spanish parliament. Yesterday he met successively the leaders of PSOE, Pedro Sánchez; and Ciudadanos, Albert Rivera. Rajoy is ready to study any proposals that other political parties make, “well understood that they are moved by seeking the common good and the defense of [Spain’s] democratic system”. Sources from other political parties, from Podemos to the Basque Nationalist Party to the parties in the Catalan regional government PDeCat and ERC, tell El Plural that they have not yet been contacted by the PM’s office to schedule meetings.
What, no Catalan independence yet?
If you thought Catalonia would declare independence 48 hours after Sunday’s referendum and were holding your breath in anticipation, you can breathe now. The declaration of independence is supposed to come within two days of the official proclamation of results, which has not happened yet, and cannot happen today given that the Catalan government will take part in the national stoppage. A declaration of independence can come no earlier than Friday and might be delayed further.
The central scenario continues to be a declaration of independence, to which the Spanish government is likely to react by invoking Art 155 of the Spanish constitution allowing it to commandeer a recalcitrant regional government. Government sources told the press last month that this can be done in five days, as there are some formalities including requiring the regional government in question to take corrective action, followed by a vote of the Spanish Senate to authorize the proposed intervention measures. A minimal intervention would be for the Spanish government to call a snap Catalan election, which would dissolve the current Catalan parliament and put the Catalan government in caretaker mode, but otherwise would not constitute an abolition of Catalan self-government.
If the Spanish government does invoke article 155, however, it’s likely that there would be street protests. Although the Spanish government has deployed over 10,000 National Police and Guardia Civil from outside Catalonia to maintain order, it would probably not be wise for the Spanish government to use them as they are already being accused of being “occupation forces”.
More cynical commentators suggest that the Catalan government will delay independence indefinitely, in hopes of drawing Rajoy into a negotiation. A unilateral declaration of independence is unlikely to garner much international support unless there is another violent crackdown by the Spanish government. The longer pent-up tension is allowed to build up, the more likely that becomes.
Reflections on Catalonia
Reader David was in Catalonia on a planned fishing trip that just happened to be during the election.
“Another guy staying at the same lodge caught and netted 14-pound brown trout, a truly big guy. Very special place.”
David captured a video from Barcelona the day before the election. See Eve of the Vote: Mish Reader on Vacation Sends Video of Barcelona Counter Protest.
Catalonia Tweets
Suspended
For coverage of the election and the thug response of Madrid to prevent voting, please see For All the World to See: Police Brutality Videos and Images in Catalonia
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
Mish, the hypocrisy is off the scale. Channel 4? A joke and so Pro-EU you wouldn’t understand. Their attitude is no surprise.
We have witnessed the true Spanish and EU attitude to the plebs.
They talk of “internal threats” and want to raise an army too weak to achieve externalities. In time it will be used to suppress internal dissent.
This past weekend, right or wrong as far as the Spanish constitution goes, is a foretaste.
What happens when people demand their money from failing EU/Euro banks, mass protest followed by sanctioned violence, what will be the result of bail-ins?
“The EU is the old Soviet Union in Western Clothes.” – Gorbachev.
“Let the peasants eat cake!” — Marie Antoinette (may or may not be misquote, but sentiment is correct)
“Ever closer Europe!” — Angela Merkel, showing an equal level of understanding of the masses
Democracy is good so long as you vote for status quo.
+1
Just the latest in a long line of attempts to legitimize those in power. No different than divine right, hereditary rule or blue blood.
“I’ve found a way to always be right”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK0SQHBW0AAPfpG.jpg
King of Spain messed up ‘ royally ‘ in his address to the nation
link to BBC translation
https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCBreaking/status/915292710667350016
It s shocking how time deaf his speech is. It’s as out of touch as Spiro Agnew .
The situation is going to play right into the hands of violent extremists rather quickly. This reminds me of Bosnia in the Yugoslav break up. It can easily spin wildly out of control
The whole EU elite is massively insulated from on the ground thoughts, beliefs and feelings of large swathes of people.
They think it doesn’t matter and they merrily go on their way ignoring anything the plebs express an opinion on. It will matter, they will be tipped out of their complacency.
It partly explains Brexit too. It was a massive political miscalculation on all sides they are compounding with their attitude. The 2nd largest EU economy leaving. How the he’ll did they let that happen?
The same way they stand by as Spain exhibits fascist tendencies towards its own population.
The EU is Communo-Fascist at its very core.
Well his speech is the Spanish point of view, and undoubtedly already shared by the largest minority, if not the majority, of Spanish. I would say over half the population, but there are too many for one person to ask… maybe I will find a poll…an example from start of year puts the crown at around 60% favourable opinion , about similar as for the Guardia Civil.
madrid lost any legitimacy last sunday
Did they leave the cruise ship behind or just sail off into the sunset?
Catalonia is my 2nd home. I’ve been to Barcelona numerous times and visit Girona each Spring for cycling. I sure hope they work it out.
A man marries a woman for her money but eventually she understands he will never get a job but keep taking her dough. She tries to get him to change his ways but he is too lazy to change. Eventually she tells him she is leaving. He resorts to threats and violence culminating in giving her a good thrashing. He thinks this is the end of the matter and she will now love him and keep him forever.
Tough luck Rajoy, you will never be loved or trusted again.
If the turnout is less than 50% it does seem odd why the non-aligned should count with the 90% of the 40sh turnout?
in my view they need a more convincing turnout and actual accounting of how many people voted, to have it have credibility.
So that makes the state violence ok?
The Catalan seperatists are demonstrating an admirable restraint and civility in their cause. The Spanish know that had they intervened fully and taken control of Cataluña prematurely the toll would have been worse, as with Catalan leadership removed there would likely be open rebellion. So the increment in the use of force is gradual, letting the Catalans know Spain will not hesitate, demanding they adjust.
The peace in Spain, in any country, is ultimately maintained and backed by the use of force. According to Spain Cataluña, by not adhering to the constitution, is asking for the use of force, is responsible for that use of force. You won’t get around this argument, no matter how right in any other way, as you are asking for a country to disarm and to rip up its constitution, to allow itself to be continuously fractured in future.
So my point is, do we really want to encourage civil conflict? I say that without blaming either side, but Spain has the force and will not listen to other argument. That this should have been settled differently is besides the point…it is easy to tell a country what to do from an armchair, but I don’t think anyone commenting here was involved in trying to resolve the issues between Cataluña or Spain over the last several years, and because they are not resolved, the above is where we are at.
So unless anyone has a clear idea how to manage Spain itself now, I do not think it is very wise to take any side that will lead to more violence, that in practice means either side.
By all means though, protest the arrival of violence itself.
If Rajoy wanted a larger turnout he would not have sent his fascist jackboot thugs to beat the old women voters. Turnout is a red herring. The issue is enslavement of hard working Catalonia by the lazy Spaniards.
OK, turnout for US primary election is abismal for many states. On the order of 30% and often less, some 5%. The general is near about 50% for the average.
But, the primary is so important! It is the first filter.
He who has the guns wins.
Makes you wonder what would happen if California tried leaving? Maybe not so bad as 49 others would be all for it lol.
I was surprised by this move by Catalonia, I always thought that the Basque would be the first ones to secede.
IMAGINE when the “EU” (flunkies for Goldman Sachs & Friends) gets THEIR “ARMY” ?
“If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever.”
George Orwell – 1984
Geography counts. Note that Catalonia is a vital gateway for Spain into France and the rest of Europe. Today’s transport strike has much meaning.
In he case of Catalonia, Spain (this the EU), can not allow independence because Catalonia is a financial plus. Hey need them so they can exploit them.
Unless the people of Catalonia are willing and able to use force to defend their independence, they will not have it. Period. A civil war is the ONLY solution in this case, because he international community will not back them in their peaceful separation desires.
As for California, they are a leach on the ass of America. 49 other states will gladly show them the door. Sadly, there are millions of good people and good resources in California. I suspect a statehood division would happen. That whole of Cal would not leave. Perhaps just LA and SanFran areas/regions. But I’d happily sacrifice the whole to be rid of the other.
Would Chicago be next? Perhaps western Washington? Bye-bye. Take New York, while you’re at it. But frankly, the leftist strong holds are not that strong and are growing weaker as true leftists reveal their mental illness.
California is a net payer of Federal income taxes. The reddest states are generally a who’s who of Federal government largesse and net recipients of Federal funds. I’m a California resident and the first to admit California’s government is probably beyond redemption, but how does that negatively impact the rest of the country since other states have no problem taking California’s money? Furthermore, the US constitution discriminates against high population states in the allocation of political power, so California’s political voice in the Federal government is also relatively diminished.
Be careful what you wish for, the disintegration of the United States will make everyone poorer and less free. Less free in the sense restrictions on movement will be the only way other areas avoid the California “disease,” and those restrictions are likely to be met in kind. California failing within the United States is the best thing that can happen for everyone. First, it will serve as a cautionary tail to other states about the consequences of poor government. Second, other states will benefit from industrious Californians giving up and moving on. Finally, the loss of its most productive citizens will hasten the collapse and renewal California needs. Just don’t bail California (or any other state) out when it can no longer pay the bills, all governments need to learn that actions have consequences.
CALexit is the future
there is no technical or moral reason for far off Washington to impose any laws upon Californians
In TOTAL agreement. Bye-Bye
A lot of people forget that California used to be a moderate if not right leaning state for most of its history, probably into the 1980’s. The framework of today’s success in CA was all set up when it was moderate/right leaning (Silicon Valley, university system, etc…). Silicon Valley was not a far left liberal utopia when it began in the 50’s with the semiconductor companies.
Also, CA is a state with massive disparities of incomes. Most people think of Silicon Valley, Hollywood and La Jolla when they think of CA. But much of the interior of the state and outlying areas of big cities, have pretty bad schools, higher crime, decent poverty. If you split CA into two states, the coast and the interior, the interior would be more like New Mexico or maybe Alabama/MS in terms of economics, crime, etc…
The UN has just authorized a peacekeeping force to go into Catalonia to preserve order and protect the people from the insurrectionists. It is believed the Russians influenced the US to go along with this vote. Mueller is investigating the hot tip from unnamed sources. More to come….
“Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”
Originally attributed to Chairman Mao, it is the unspoken “Modus Operendi” of the EU Neo-Marxists.
Catalonia remains the most important story of the decade, yet the ‘Deep State’ retains its control of the U.S. Media and its foreign propaganda arms to suppress it.
Thank God for the few who keep us informed.
Damn all those who side with the enemies of democracy, especially those in our government and media.
Curious as I haven’t seen this topic addressed: what were the local police doing during all this? Not sure how Spain’s law enforcement is set up but wouldn’t the local police force have to follow the local municipal leaders direction? Were they told to stand down? Are all law enforcement accountable only to the national gov’t? If you know, please help me out with this.
The local police are the Mossos. They refused to coordinate directly with Spain’s hierarchy, but still took orders from the Spanish prosecutor. They stated they would not go further in attempting to stop the vote than would cause public disturbance. They are now accused of apathy by Spain, legally in some cases. In practice they have stood between Spanish police and protesters/voters, and vice versa. There have been a few visible instances of argument and disrespect between the Spanish police and the Mossos. The head of the Mossos is recently changed to an openly pro-independence chief.
Co-ordination meetings between Spanish police and Mossos, separate ones asked for independently of the other, had lower level officers only sent as representation/participation. Spain was openly dismissive of the meeting arranged by Catalan security but sent officers all the same, to at least observe.
There are laws that can be enacted ( 155 or emergency) that would (in theory by law at least) place the Mossos under direct Spanish control.
Apparently Puigdemont has told the BBC that independence will be declared next weekend or a few days after. For anyone’s information PSOE openly backs the use of force, Ciudadanos appears to also. The rest oppose ( the further left, i.e. Podemos) .
Here is updating rolling for today:
http://www.ara.cat/politica/escorcolls-guardia-civil-contra-referendum_12_1873132669.html
@Mish:
– And when is Illinois going to secede from the US ?
Illinois won’t. There are threats in California and Texas though. Highly unlikely.
The rational choice for Catalonia is guerrilla warfare. The method of improvised explosive devises is easy and cost effective. Thousands would volunteer to train for sniping of police, fire, and government officials in Madrid. Catalonia won’t run out of time before Madrid runs out of government employees.
I prefer the Catalan style.
I have been to Barcelona many times it was always a wonderful place to enjoy and for me at the time it wasSpain language culture food. Having no knowledge of the political climate I have no comment. I wish them luck.but I do know that reality will set in. The reality we perceive is often seen true colored glasses.
The pendulum will swing against Catalonia within a short time :
– who will recognize Catalunia as an independent state..
– who will defend Catalunia.
– who will trade with Catalunia. Who will invest in Catalunia RE.
– who will come to Catalunia, and spend money in Camp Nou when Messi is gone.
Spain can be on the sideline and wait for passion to cool down and reality to settle.
Twitter suspended your account over that comment? Seriously? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Of all the things that can do it, a personal opinion.