Spain Hoped Catalonia’s Separatists Would Fade. They’re Gaining Ground.

For many years in Spain, the region of Catalonia has been fighting for independence from the Spanish government. In past years, the separatist movement has easily deflated, but now the movement is gaining more support and traction than before. In a recent regional election, parties seeking to make a breakaway state for Catalonia increased their majority in the regional parliament. This is a huge victory for pro-independence parties as they now have a leg up against those who are against independence. Back in 2017, when the independence movement was quite large, the region’s separatist government organized an independence referendum, which went ahead even after Spain’s courts declared it illegal and the police began cracking down on voters. The referendum was followed by a declaration of independence, which led to Spain’s central government to begin charging people with crimes including sedition. The tensions continue to rise as police arrest more people including a famous rapper for having lyrics that glorify terrorism and denigrated the monarchy. There have then been many protests supporting the rapper in Barcelona, Madrid and other big cities, but have turned violent. Overall, Spain’s government is trying to shut down the pro-independence movement and going against democracy. 

Reese McMullen