Don’t Exaggerate Russian Meddling in the Catalan Independence Crisis
Yes, Russia tried to exacerbate the crisis, but it didn’t create Catalan separatism.
Catalan Referendum 2017
An independence referendum was held in Catalonia on October 1. It was boycotted by most unionists. Of the 43 percent who turned out, 92 percent voted to secede from Spain.
Catalans Vote for Independence in Controversial Referendum
Analysis and opinion about the controversial independence vote in Catalonia.
A Failure of Leadership in Spain
Mariano Rajoy should never have let the Catalan independence crisis come this far.
British Struggle to Understand Spain’s Reaction to Catalan Referendum
They managed two referendums in three years. Why can’t the Spanish let the Catalans vote?
Catalonia Unlikely to Declare Independence After Referendum
Even if a majority votes to break away, the regional government could balk at declaring independence unilaterally.
Putting Catalan Police Under Spanish Command Is a Bad Idea
Spanish control could make it harder for the troopers to keep a lid on passions in Catalonia.
Mixed Views from France on Catalan Referendum
Most French media call on Catalan and Spanish leaders to work out a compromise.
Catalan Referendum Animates Flemish, Leaves Dutch Cold
Flemish media are overwhelmingly sympathetic in their coverage. The Dutch show little interest.
Spanish Raids, Arrests Cross Red Line: Puigdemont
Spain raids Catalan government buildings and arrests top officials.
Partisan Divide in German Views on Catalan Referendum
The left sympathizes. Conservatives can’t look past the illegality of the planned vote.
Spanish Far Left Takes Rajoy to Task for Catalan “Repression”
Pablo Iglesias accuses the prime minister of making the Catalan problem worse.
The Arguments For and Against Catalan Independence
Arguments in favor are more emotional. Opponents point out concrete risks.
The Val d’Aran: The Minority Within the Catalan Minority
The Aranese, separated from the rest of Catalonia by the Pyrenees, are less supportive of independence.
Catalans Determined to Vote in Referendum Declared Illegal
Spain considers an independence referendum illegal, but Catalans are determined to vote anyway.
Don’t Force Catalans to Choose Between Independence and the Status Quo
There is room for compromise in the middle.