Catalonia demonstrators have vowed to continue protesting till leaders sit down for talks. The country is likely to go into polls in November as a last-ditch effort to break the deadlock following polls in April, where PM Pedro Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) fell well short of a majority in the country’s 350-seat congress. On October 18, PM Sanchez called for the country to be unified after a court decided to sentence Catalan separatist leaders for carrying out a failed independence bid in 2017.
The country is bracing for more protests as pro-secessionist groups call for demonstrations in Barcelona. Catalan leader Quim Torra will address a gathering after meetings with regional mayors. Grassroots pro-secession organisations, ANC and Omnium, whose leaders Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart were sentenced for sedition, have called for a march at 5 pm local time.
Talking to THE WEEK, Jordi Vilanova, international Committee Member of the Catalan National Assembly talks about the situation in Catalonia and tells us why Sanchez's idea of going to polls is a bad one.
What have the protests, the movement for Catalonia gained so far?
Massive visibility, particularly from the international press, from the US to HK and China. And you of course! We have also found that a considerable number of Catalans who may not have been mobilised and may even not be pro-independence, have been joining us in protest at the lack of democratic principle in the sentences handed down and the police violence. We have even found we have allies in Spain with protests in Madrid and elsewhere.
What about the pro-Spanish voices in Catalonia?
Those in favour of remaining in Spain should be given a voice in determining our common future, and where better than in a Referendum. With a proper accorded referendum there would be a much greater opportunity for both sides to be heard.
Do you expect the arrested leaders to be freed soon? Please talk about the human rights aspect of the protests
If we are to go by the electioneering propaganda of the Spanish nationalist parties, including the PSOE, it looks highly unlikely, although we will not give up on the political prisoners.
As for the human rights issue, one has but to observe the video footage of the first few days that these were violated. Likewise, lend an ear to the human rights NGOs' and Council of Europe HR Commissioner's statements.
What about the law and order situation going for a toss owing to the protests?
As for the "law & order situation going for a toss" (I take it you are referring to a 50/50 toss-up in terms of responsibility), I should point out that practically every single pro-independence protest and demonstration held in Catalonia without the presence of Spanish police have been absolutely peaceful and have only turned violent when Spanish authorities have decided to send in their "troops."
What are the chances of Catalonia's independence? What scenario are people/leaders willing to settle for?
What if additional terms/ provisions to uphold semi-autonomy is offered?
The Catalan National Assembly (ANC) does not believe any outcome other than independence will satisfy the needs of the Catalan people. If one goes beyond the last few months, it is patently clear that Spain, particularly its administration and elites, are simply not prepared to contemplate any change in the State's essentially unitary, uniform structure. If such changes (like the use of tax money from Catalan to benefit Catalonians or grating special recognition) were to be contemplated, there would very likely be a (Spanish) nationalist backlash, as has been visible lately when any such proposals have been tabled— witness the negotiations between PSOE and Podemos.
Do you expect the EU parliament to intervene or do you expect them to support the cause?
We cannot give up hoping for recognition by the European Parliament since we are without a doubt very much pro-European, even though the EU and the member states' position has been very disappointing. However, there have been positive signs, with certain country's MEPs voicing criticism of Spain's attitude stonewalling before any proposed talks.
How will this impact upcoming elections?
PM Sánchez has clearly shot himself in the foot by calling the General Elections. It doesn't look like he'll get anything out of it, more than finding himself having to come to some agreement with...? In the best of cases, he'll be back where he started.
In any case, the outcome in Catalonia will possibly be negative for him as the turnout of unionist voters will be low and the recovery the PSC (Catalan socialists) had shown will probably come to a halt.
