Catalonia Unlikely to Declare Independence After Referendum
Even if a majority votes to break away, the regional government could balk at declaring independence unilaterally.
Spain
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.
Attitudes in Spain’s Basque Country Mirror Those in Catalonia
Fears of a domino effect are overblown. The Basques have adapted to Spanish rule.
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.
Iraq Takes Similar Approach to Separatist Challenge as Spain
Both governments try to stop independence referendums by legal means. Neither appears to be succeeding.
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.
Time Is Running Out to Avoid a Constitutional Crisis in Spain
Mariano Rajoy vows to do “whatever is necessary” to stop Catalonia’s referendum.
Happy Germans Vote for the Center, Others Drawn to Extremes
Other Europeans have yet to feel the economic recovery.