Radio
Breaking news, as well as the most pressing issues of political, economic and social life. Opinion and analysis. Programs produced and made by journalists from Sputnik studios.

Independence for Catalonia - An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

20170927_Hards_Facts_Catalonia_ENG
Subscribe
John is joined by Professor Joan Verges Gifra of the University of Girona in Catalonia to discuss the deepening tensions between the northeastern region of Spain and the Spanish Government in Madrid over the Catalan's decision to call a unilateral referendum on independence for October 1.

In a country and society which still bears the scars of the brutal 1936-39 civil war which brought General Franco and fascism to power, the sight of Spanish police being unleashed to arrest Catalan public officials, seize ballot boxes and attempt to disrupt the scheduled referendum will undoubtedly have sent a shiver of historical memory running down the spines of all Catalans, and indeed many Spaniards outwith the region.

With neither the Madrid nor Barcelona evincing any sign of backing down, is Spain poised on the precipice of the kind of civil unrest its people had considered the product of a bygone age?

As the referendum approaches, not only Spain but the entire world awaits with baited breath what is the severest test Spanish democracy has faced since Franco's death in 1975.

Hard Facts is out every Wednesday. You can join in the conversation here.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала