Catalonia Declares Independence; Spain Approves Central Takeover Of Region (npr.org)

Readers share a report: Lawmakers in Catalonia have declared independence from Spain in a historic vote that prompted protests and celebration. The government in Madrid, vowing to halt any would-be secession, has authorized the Spanish prime minister to take over direct rule of the previously semi-autonomous region. The vote in the Catalan Parliament comes nearly a month after the region held a referendum on independence, over Spain's objections. The regional president then declared his support for separation from Spain but also called for talks with Madrid, in an ambiguous speech. Spain's central government, promising to crack down harshly if the declaration was real, told the region's leaders to make up their mind: Yes or no? Independence or not? Now it's final: Independence, Catalonia said.

Comments

Support Right to Independence

[Oswald McWeany]

I fully support the right of any region to decide who rules them (if decided by fair and free referendum).

That said, I think Catalonia is making a big mistake here. There is no way they will be better off without the protection of Spain and the European Union.

Re:Support Right to Independence

[Aighearach]

there's no chance Catalonia would get in unless Spain withdrew.

Portugal exists, which destroys your argument. Another option would be to have a war first, and then for Spain to stay in the EU, and also agree to welcome Catalonia.