Catalonia Approaches its Moment of Truth

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In Catalonia, separatist parliamentarians and civic groups called on President Carles Puigdemont to formally declare independence from fascist Spain by 9:00AM local time Monday, according to the Spanish-language broadsheet El Confidencial, citing unnamed ruling party officials. They want the declaration to firmly state Madrid cannot legally interfere with Catalan sovereignty. The Mariano Rajoy regime gave Puigdemont until 10:00AM Monday to clarify “yes” or “no” on Catalan independence – with no ambiguity. If independence is formally declared, Puigdemont can say as head of a sovereign state no others can dictate Catalan policy. Pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party spokeswoman Nuria Gibert tweeted the following: “The humiliation of more than two million Catalans who voted on Oct. 1 has been definitive.” “Now it’s clear that the suspension must be lifted and the Catalan republic immediately proclaimed.” Last week, Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence, calling on “all states and international organizations to recognize the Catalan Republic as an independent and sovereign state.” He then suspended it, urging Madrid to engage in dialogue, asking for EU involvement. Rajoy categorically refused. Catalan independence has virtually no international support. EU nations especially oppose it, fearing similar movements elsewhere in Europe. Their officials have been largely silent on state-sponsored referendum day violence, injuring nearly 900 voters. Rajoy was unequivocal saying “(w)e are going to prevent independence from occurring. That is why I can tell you with absolute frankness that it will not happen.” Brussels said it won’t recognize an independent Catalonia. On Saturday, Spain’s Interior Minister Juan Zoido said Puigdemont must say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ If he answers ambiguously, it means he doesn’t want dialogue and thus the Spanish government will have to take action.” It’ll likely invoke Article 155 of the constitution, suspending Catalan autonomy, forcefully taking control of the region, occupying it with thousands of hostile national police, civil guards and soldiers. If Puigdemont fails to declare independence, he’ll lose support from separatist coalition partners, jeopardizing his political future. A 92% referendum majority for independence represents an unequivocal mandate for separation from Spain. The UN Charter and other international law affirm the right of self-determination. Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras firmly said “(w)e must preserve the unity that is necessary to go all the way on this path to a republic.” “We must reiterate our belief in unity, in unity behind our government and the majority of the parliament,” as well as the overwhelming majority will of its people. Much rides on what happens Monday.

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