Well, of course, my invention of 'MacCatalans' to indicate the similarity between Catalonia and the Spanish government and that between the 'Jocks' and London is hardly accurate. Yes, there are some similarities in that the Catalans, or a goodly wedge of them, are determined to break away from Spanish rule, rather like many Jocks wanted out of the United Kingdom but there are some hefty differences, too.
For a start, 'Jockland' is broke, or it would be if it tried to survive on its own. Catalonia, on the other hand, is immensely wealthy and it contributes some 20% of Madrid's tax revenue which is why the Spanish government is dead set against allowing any sort of breakaway. However, the regional government of Catalonia has just announced that it will hold a referendum on independence even if that breaks Spanish law. Madrid is promising dire consequences but, as ZeroHedge reports, "short of invasion who is going to stop the vote?" The date for the referendum has been set for the 1st October! Polling forecasts are mixed - why am I not surprised? Much will depend on the reaction of the Madrid government. What is the Spanish for 'There could be troubles ahead'?
Hopefully, my old e-pal, Ortega, is still lurking in the shadows of this blog and may be able to provide some trusty intelligence.
Well if the Catalans bolt, the Basque north will revolt?
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 07 September 2017 at 18:59
What Whiters said. That's one reason the govt will do what they have to to stop this.
Catalonia is a rich province because since Franco, investments have been directed there to shut the whiny buggers up. See how that worked out. There are reports of companies upping sticks and moving to Madrid. Even the Muslims, who have been imported by the Cat govt in industrial quantities, have shown signs of not going along with the plan. Probably got bigger fish to fry.
The "outers" seem to have painted themselves into a corner on this one, as an independent Catalonia has a bleak future: unloved by the rest of Spain and unwanted by the EU.
Posted by: Timbo | Friday, 08 September 2017 at 08:42
Just like the Jocks, then! Although, to be fair, there were enough of them with brain cells rather than porridge oats to vote the sensible way.
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 08 September 2017 at 08:59