Catalonia and Basque Country

Emerging States & Claims to Autonomy and Independence

Catalonia | Basque Country

Catalonia

2006

Catalonians Come Out for Greater Autonomy (June 18, 2006)

Citizens of Catalonia have voted overwhelmingly for broad new powers of self government, marking moves towards greater independence from Madrid. Spain's major political parties remain deeply divided on the issue of the region's future. Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero sees greater autonomy for Catalonia as the only way to keep the province within Spain's borders, while the centre-right Popular party believes the move will weaken the authority of the central government and encourage other provinces to seek independence. (International Herald Tribune)

Catalonia Nears Autonomy from Spain (January 28, 2006)

With backing from Prime Minster Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish region of Catalonia has moved once step closer to autonomy. The Catalonian parliament passed legislation declaring itself a "nation" while maintaining allegiance to the Spanish state. Though critics fear the plan may lead to Spain's break up, supporters argue that increased regional autonomy allows for a more pluralistic and democratic state, and may serve as a peaceful alternative for Spain's more volatile Basque separatist movement. (Washington Post)

1994

Catalonia's Bill Comes Due for Madrid: It's More Autonomy (March 10, 1994)

Catalonia, one of Spain's 17 autonomous regions, possesses the economic strength and the population to stand on its own. But are the Catalans willing to go that far? Jordi Pujol, the Catalan leader heading the regional government, says the region only wants more self-government and respect for Spain's "multi-ethnic character." Critics argue that Pujol deliberately tries to stir up tensions with his campaign to promote the Catalan language. (New York Times)

Basque Country

basque_country picture credit: scottish independence

2009

ETA and the Basque Labyrinth (20 August, 2009)_

The Spanish government claims that ETA is "on its knees." Indeed the police have conducted a flurry of arrests and weapon seizures in the past year, whilst the Madrid bombings of 2003, though unrelated to ETA, further diminished support for ETA's methods. Yet ETA remains resilient. It escalated its terrorist campaign this summer and continues to display a strong military rhetoric. Although most Basques disagree with its use of force, ETA is still able to actively recruit. (OpenDemocracy)

2002

Spain Fears Disintegration After Basques Seek Self-Rule (October 1, 2002)

The Basques issued a proposal for northern provinces to become a "state of free association" that shares sovereignty. They seek an associative statute similar to the one Puerto Rico has with the US. Madrid has violently reacted to the plan, accusing it of trying to "destroy Spain." (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)

1997

French Basques Dream of Autonomy (February 14, 1997)

After Franco's death, Spanish Basques gained some autonomy and local authority over education, taxes and security issues. But on the other side of the border, their French counterparts are still longing for some form of independence. Jakes Abeberry, Deputy Mayor of Biarritz, states optimistically that the Basque country will soon come together and achieve autonomy, as national borders within the European Union seem to fade. (New York Times)

Global Policy Forum