Analysis of possible solutions to the Catalan problem

Document Type:Thesis

Subject Area:Politics

Document 1

This day carries some weight in itself as it has been marked with massive demonstrations in recent years in support of the Catalan nation’s right to decide on its future according to the Spanish supreme law (Cossani, 183). The pro-sovereignty movement of the Catalans stands a better chance of gaining more electoral benefits emanating from the nationalistic symbols of the above-said dates in the yiiuiui progressive push of redefining the Spain and Catalonia relationship. Nevertheless, the results of this election is not likely to be simple and straight forward. Some factors are expected to have a bearing on the anticipated outcomes. Issues like internal party politics, the ongoing investigations on corruption and the effects of the economic crisis are expected to have a paramount and decisive effect on the results of these polls.

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At a glance, the electoral balance of power within the nationalist wing will come at the grass root elections that have been scheduled to take place in May. According to the opinion polls, there is a likelihood that ERC will increase the voters’ share in a great deal in comparison to the party federation to which CDC is a member, Convergencia I Union (CiU). Besides, these two parties’ electoral command stands to be tested as the left wing anti-corruption party-Podemos, which performed exemplary in the European election of last year is also in contention. Podemos backs the right of the Catalans on their political future, but it is against the attempts of getting Catalonia separate from Spain. It is felt that if Podemos performs spectacularly in May, it will introduce a new perspective in the run, preparation and forecast to September 27 (Ramón, 725).

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The way this bargaining will be handled may shake the direction of the elections because the electorate does not favor political parties that are not stable. Also, hanging is the future political success of CiU, which has been very instrumental and successful in Catalan politics since its formation in 1978 It is doubtless that the forthcoming Spanish and Catalan elections will be centered on the question of constitutional reforms. But what has not been well predicted is the degree to which the pro-sovereignty allies will be able to secure mandate they dearly need from the 27 September 2015 elections (Cossani, 183). Nonetheless, whatever happens, the people from Catalonia must have to undergo another enduring year of political conflicts over the future administration of their country Experts opine that a nationwide opinion poll can be a better reflection of what people prefer right now, and it will be pretty impressive to have a view how voting will infl the opinion of the electorate.

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It can have an effect with force in both directions; either to stand for or against the secession referendum (Lozano, 187). There has been an estimation of long-term unemployment more precisely hitting hard the immigrant communities. Therefore, the Catalan leadership bases their push for independence on the premise that the battle they are engaged in is for the democratic rights and redefined the identity of the people of Catalonia. The Esguerra Party has been tipped to recapture its lost glory and popularity that it used to enjoy when it was led by Luis companies during the civil war (Cossani, 183). That will simply happen if the party will stand for independence and fight for the right of the common people. Events of the government which is conservative in London making huge cuts plus social spending has spilled beyond the depressed apparel towns in Catalonia plus the Catalan industrial revolution has won the hearts of many Catalans in the suburbs of Barcelona plus the neighboring communities in the active calls for independence and also self-governance The situation the Catalans are in should be handled with a lot of wisdom plus expertise.

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Some estimate that Catalonia €61. bn in taxes to the Spanish government, but only, however, €45. bn is reinvested in Catalonia. Therefore, this is something that truly pains most Catalans Were Catalonia to gain independence, there are several possible scenarios that could occur. Firstly, it would continue to be the autonomous state that it is currently. Also, it would have to serve a public debt in a foreign currency and would not be able to trade freely in the EU market. In times of economic crisis, thus, it will not be able to call for help from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the European Central Bank (ECB), both of which played an essential role in helping out Greece. Thus, this would make it difficult for it to solve some of the economic issues it is bound to face after its independence.

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This risk created by its independence would make it difficult for foreign investors to invest in the newly formed country. The stakes would be high for them as they would be unsure of how the economy would go (Lozano, 145). However, this would not be assured because trade between Catalonia and Madrid is likely not to be as lucrative. This e, Madrid would try to recoup some of the taxes it would be losing by Catalonia becoming independent through taxing imports from Catalonia higher. Thus, Catalonia would not see it as beneficial to trade with Madrid often. And Catalonia were to become independent, the Spanish Social Security would lose about three million members (Mateu, 79). Therefore, Spain would reduce the amount of money it spends on paying retirees. It would also be expected that the number of tourists to Catalonia would reduce.

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Putting into consideration that the level of investment in Catalonia would reduce, this means that the number of people traveling to Catalonia for business reasons would also reduce. In addition to this, if political instability were to arise in Catalonia after the split, then it is expected that the number of tourists who go to Catalonia for leisure reasons would also reduce. It is projected that there would be a decline in the number of tourists from other autonomous communities for leisure reasons (Selkimäki, 727). Overall, this general decline in the number of tourists would pose a problem for Catalonia because one important source of revenue for the newly formed country would have been reduced (Nuevatribuna, n. Moreover, trade between Catalonia and Spain would be impacted in one way or another.

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Additionally, the Spanish Social Security would lose about three million members. Likely there would also be an increase in the level of unemployment (Vila-Pujol, 69). Its debt would also probably increase, tourism in the country reduce and port activity at Barcelona also reduce. Therefore, even though Spain would lose about 20% of its GDP source, the majority of the negative effects would be on Catalonia. Savin, and G. A. Slafer. Contrasting performance of barley and wheat in a wide range of conditions in Mediterranean Catalonia (Spain). Annals of applied biology 151.

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