September 09, 2012
Demonstration 9/11. March for independence. March over Barcelona
This demonstration means, and it will mean, several things for the Catalan Nation and for all Catalans. These are numbered below:
- It will open the process to constitute a new Independent Catalan State.
- It will open the process of national regeneration. Freedom, territories and language. Restitution of the two most battered pillars of the country: Territorial union and linguistic integrity.
- It will open the inner and communal reinforcement against ingenious criteria from supposedly progressist always against Catalonia.
- It will open the process for the delegitmization of all those actors for independence who do not deny the profits from the Old Order. All charges and titles from the autonomic Hispano-Catalan era are not valid in the New Order.
- It is necessary then, to start a process around a Constituent table in which elements from ANC -Catalan National Assembly, AMI -Association of Municipalities for Independence, political, patriotic, sports, social and cultural organizations, Trade Unions, political parties that have denied from the old order and want to put their wheels in motion for Independence. In a clear manner, precise and with no deceptions that scare them away.
- It will bring a new hope to Catalonia. From now, a start of a movement to reinstate our freedom, increase our self-esteem and the spiritual and material wealth of our Nation and our people.
Once we have crossed this door, nothing will be the same for Catalonia and Catalans. There should have been established the rupture that will mark the before and after. A before full of arguments, lies and sterile fights. An after of lucidity and courageous determination. We only have an objective: get free, regenerate and become a free Nation among the rest of free Nations.
Salvador Molins, Counsellor Catalunya Acció
September 07, 2012
Let's take Barcelona on the 11th!
For independence.
September 04, 2012
11th September 2012. Barcelona
One voice.
INDEPENDENCE!!!!
INDEPENDENCE!!!!
September 03, 2012
Independence of Catalonia
President Mas shows as a coward servile maid at Spain's service. Timorous and unable to defend the interests of Catalans. This is what he learnt from Jordi Pujol; to bend over in front of Spain and save his arse, but not Catalans.
Now, Spain does not need Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya and Rome does not pay traitors. The decadence that we are living now. at political as well as economical level. is the result of thirty years of indignant regionalistic government, that had the objective of boxing Catalonia into Spain, modernizing Spain and teaching Spain.
Well, the most stupid and irresponsible thing ever to be thought by a Catalan.
And now, we see the results. when abjection rules.
Josep Castany
President Catalunya Acció
Now, Spain does not need Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya and Rome does not pay traitors. The decadence that we are living now. at political as well as economical level. is the result of thirty years of indignant regionalistic government, that had the objective of boxing Catalonia into Spain, modernizing Spain and teaching Spain.
Well, the most stupid and irresponsible thing ever to be thought by a Catalan.
And now, we see the results. when abjection rules.
Josep Castany
President Catalunya Acció
August 27, 2012
Alfons Lopez Tena. The democratic principle versus self-determination
From the juridical point of view, a new State needs to be recognized by the other existing States. [...] However, in front of the contemporary process of generation described, the normal dynamics by the existing States is simple, recognizing the emerging ones. And the process to achieve it is juridically expressed within the sentence by the International Court at The Hague about Kosovo.
This country [...] proclaimed independence from Serbia through a totally unilateral declaration that was not a referendum nor through via the Parliament this is, the same way that the United States of America declared independence from the United Kingdom two-hundred years before. Its democratically elected representatives met and declared independence, not in a formal Parliamentary meeting. In Kosovo, it was done by a very large majority of members of its Parliament as well as its Prime Minister, without a vote, signing a document. As if now, a majority of the Members of the Catalan Parliament joined a meeting and signed a document proclaiming independence, being it all. So that, even and the lack of parliamentary formality that might have threat the legality of the act, the Hague's Tribunal fully endorsed it.
Some interesting points from that sentence and the concurring favourable opinions are that full legal legitimacy is given to the act because is performed by the democratically elected representatives of the people, without entering in the disquisition whether there is the right of self-determination or not, who is the subject of this right nor where or who is applicable to. Contrarily, the opinions of who deny the recognition of Kosovo -Spain, Russia and China, were founded precisely in the negation of the existence of the right of self-determination by Kosovo, under the base that this right is only applicable when in colonial situations and that the relationship Kosovo-Yugoslavia was not of colonial character.
It must be said that the Court not even entered in considering if Kosovo had the right or not, but simply if there was any international principle of law contrary to the proclamation of independence just made by the democratically elected representatives of the people of Kosovo.
Secondly, the Court proclaimed that in case of a proclamation of independence, juridically legitimate, by one territory, it is immediately recognized by the existing States, and that was the guarantee for an independence based on the democratic principle. In spite of the Yugoslavian Constitution proclaiming that Kosovo was an integral part of the Serbian Nation and that its independence required a reform of the Constitution. As Kosovars were a minority in respect with the total Yugoslavian population, the reform of the Constitution -albeit was formally possible, in fact appeared blocked.
The sentence at The Hague's Court continues with the line pointed the Canadian Superior Court, as enquired by the Canadian Government. They wanted to know if a clear majority in favour of independence in answer to an explicit question in Quebec about independence would be binding for the Canadian Federal Government. The Court answered fistly, not to enter within the right of self-determination -that is very badly defined in terms of international law, and secondly, reaffirm the democratic principle; when there is a clear majority that pronounces democratically, the Canadian Government must entertain this pronouncement and negotiate the conditions of secession in good faith.
This is the judicial framework that has guaranteed the latest independences, such as Southern Sudan, possible through a referendum and the Dutch Antilles, through Parliament.
In summary, from the legal point of view it is clear. Democratic principle guarantees the independence of the new State, whether it is decided by its population through a referendum or indirectly through their democratically elected representatives, be it via a formal parliamentary session or via a non-parliamentary meeting by its elected members. And about this topic there is already jurisprudence and cases that not only guarantee the legality of the declaration, but also the international recognition by the other States.
The steps, in any case, must be as follows:
This country [...] proclaimed independence from Serbia through a totally unilateral declaration that was not a referendum nor through via the Parliament this is, the same way that the United States of America declared independence from the United Kingdom two-hundred years before. Its democratically elected representatives met and declared independence, not in a formal Parliamentary meeting. In Kosovo, it was done by a very large majority of members of its Parliament as well as its Prime Minister, without a vote, signing a document. As if now, a majority of the Members of the Catalan Parliament joined a meeting and signed a document proclaiming independence, being it all. So that, even and the lack of parliamentary formality that might have threat the legality of the act, the Hague's Tribunal fully endorsed it.
Some interesting points from that sentence and the concurring favourable opinions are that full legal legitimacy is given to the act because is performed by the democratically elected representatives of the people, without entering in the disquisition whether there is the right of self-determination or not, who is the subject of this right nor where or who is applicable to. Contrarily, the opinions of who deny the recognition of Kosovo -Spain, Russia and China, were founded precisely in the negation of the existence of the right of self-determination by Kosovo, under the base that this right is only applicable when in colonial situations and that the relationship Kosovo-Yugoslavia was not of colonial character.
It must be said that the Court not even entered in considering if Kosovo had the right or not, but simply if there was any international principle of law contrary to the proclamation of independence just made by the democratically elected representatives of the people of Kosovo.
Secondly, the Court proclaimed that in case of a proclamation of independence, juridically legitimate, by one territory, it is immediately recognized by the existing States, and that was the guarantee for an independence based on the democratic principle. In spite of the Yugoslavian Constitution proclaiming that Kosovo was an integral part of the Serbian Nation and that its independence required a reform of the Constitution. As Kosovars were a minority in respect with the total Yugoslavian population, the reform of the Constitution -albeit was formally possible, in fact appeared blocked.
The sentence at The Hague's Court continues with the line pointed the Canadian Superior Court, as enquired by the Canadian Government. They wanted to know if a clear majority in favour of independence in answer to an explicit question in Quebec about independence would be binding for the Canadian Federal Government. The Court answered fistly, not to enter within the right of self-determination -that is very badly defined in terms of international law, and secondly, reaffirm the democratic principle; when there is a clear majority that pronounces democratically, the Canadian Government must entertain this pronouncement and negotiate the conditions of secession in good faith.
This is the judicial framework that has guaranteed the latest independences, such as Southern Sudan, possible through a referendum and the Dutch Antilles, through Parliament.
In summary, from the legal point of view it is clear. Democratic principle guarantees the independence of the new State, whether it is decided by its population through a referendum or indirectly through their democratically elected representatives, be it via a formal parliamentary session or via a non-parliamentary meeting by its elected members. And about this topic there is already jurisprudence and cases that not only guarantee the legality of the declaration, but also the international recognition by the other States.
The steps, in any case, must be as follows:
- Win an election.
- Form a Government with the intention to either call a referendum or proclaim independence.
- Call for international recognition of the new State.
And all this can be done in accordance with the State in which they form part of, because the former has given up with the idea to keep a part of its territory, or against it, precisely because there are the mechanisms agreeing with making it possible. (Per què volem un Estat propi? Seixanta intel·lectuals parlen de la independència de Catalunya, pg. 117 i ss.)
Let's go straight. There is no reason why not. Only fear -cultivated during 300 years, makes us try uncertain and bendy pathways with excuses of prudence and false securities. Declare first independence and then validate it with a referendum made under our wills and without the direct pressure from Spain.
Alfons Lopez Tena
Catalan MP for Solidaritat per la Independència de Catalunya (SI)
August 02, 2012
Catalonia wants independence, not Spanish austerity
Spain's dual crises of social and economic unrest,
paired with an unprecedented loosening of the bonds that tie it together
as a nation, make it perhaps the most apt microcosm of today's European
Union - warns think-tank
Thousands of miners entered Madrid
last week, singing loudly, setting off fireworks and waving signs and
banners. Some walked as far as 250 miles from the mining regions along
Spain's northern coast. The marcha negra - black march - ended with a
violent clash with police in front of Spain's Industry Ministry
building. Over the ensuing days - labourers and civil servants rallied
throughout the city, blocking streets and railways. Some women wore
black veils as though for a funeral. The target of these protests was
the austerity package passed last Wednesday, by the embattled government
of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy - whose future, the miners
reminded him, was "darker than our coal".
The €65bn package
consists of European Union-recommended tax increases, public sector
spending cuts, city and regional government overhauls and the
liberalisation of the transportation sector. The hope is that these
measures will help the country, having recently requested up to €100bn
in European aid for its banks and avoid an international state bail-out
along the lines of Greece, Ireland and Portugal. With government
revenues and housing prices falling and debt on the rise though, it may
well prove to be a doomed effort.
And yet as workers from
throughout the country converge on Madrid for protests - a second,
altogether different, movement is gathering strength in one of Spain's
wealthiest autonomous regions - Catalonia. There, thousands have
gathered throughout the summer in towns and villages to call for much
more than an end to austerity. Their goal is complete independence for
their region of over 7.5 million from the Spanish state. Catalonia, like
the Basque Country, has a long and complicated history with
Castillian-dominated Spain. But the crippling economic crisis,
resentment over transfers of roughly 8 to 9 per cent of Catalonia's
gross domestic product to poorer parts of Spain - and incidents such as
recent Spanish Supreme Court opposition to Catalan language-immersion
programmes in the region's pre-schools has combined to form a
three-layered gift for the independentistes.
According to recent
polls conducted by the Centre d'Estudis d'Opinió, 51 per cent of all
Catalans would vote for independence from Spain in a hypothetical
referendum. This represents a six-point percentage increase in the past
four months alone. When asked the broader question of what Catalonia
should be vis-à-vis Spain, 34 per cent said "independent" - a 20-point
percentage increase since the pre-crisis days of 2006. Following the
release of the polling data, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz
de Santamaría called on all Spaniards to understand that with the
country's other concerns "now must be a time for stability". Catalan MP
Josep Antoni Duran sought to downplay the results, arguing that a
majority of Catalans would still prefer increased autonomy over outright
independence.
Yet between now and September, more than 200
pro-independence rallies and marches are scheduled to take place across
Catalonia; building up to a massive demonstration on September 11, the
region's national holiday. The plan from there, according to the Catalan
National Assembly - or ANC - will be to organise a referendum on
Catalonia's status for the following year and proclaim full independence
in 2014. "For us, independence is a question of dignity," says Carme
Forcadell, head of the ANC. "We don't want to live on our knees within
Spain when we could stand on our own feet in Europe."
Spain, with
unemployment rates of close to 25 per cent, youth unemployment over 50
per cent, increasing emigration and expectations of long-term recession
and austerity - should be watched very carefully by policy-makers in
Brussels and Washington. Its dual crises of social and economic unrest,
paired with an unprecedented loosening of the bonds that tie it together
as a nation, make it perhaps the most apt microcosm of today's EU. As
the country drifts towards a possible state bail-out - the tightening
screws of la crisis are threatening to drive fissures through every
aspect of its social, political, and economic life; and push it into the
uncharted waters of possible, although still unlikely, disintegration.
During
the recent Euro 2012 football tournament, the uglier side of
pan-European tensions was often on display. "Without Angie, you wouldn't
be here," chanted German fans during the game with Greece, referring to
German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We'll never pay you back," replied
the Greeks. At a wedding I recently attended in Catalonia, I found only
one fellow guest tracking the status of the ongoing match between Spain
and France and he was quietly rooting for France. "We Catalans are tired
of seeing our tax money go to Spain," he said, cringing as news of
another Spanish goal popped up on his phone. "I guess you could say we
understand how Germany feels."
Nicholas Siegel is a senior
programme officer at the German Marshall Fund of the United States
think-tank, which originally published this paper as part of its Transatlantic Take series
July 31, 2012
Homage to Catalan Patriots.
Only great men, with strong character, men with vision and profound convictions can transform moments of crisis like we are living now in unique opportunities that culminate in victory.
This is the immediate challenge that we are presented with who love our Catalan nation. Strong leadership must emerge, with men and women with strong character who lead the way to face Spain and France, transforming this suffering defeat into the last push for independence.
This leadership must not come from the actual political parties representing the Spanish legality that wants us assimilated and converted in provinces. Therefore, it must not emerge from the actual regionalist parties, or from those who are supporters of independence by mouth but not acting towards it, those whose ambivalence allow the assimilation process, and the impoverishment of our nation.
This leadership must come from the full support for independence, men and women who have their heads, hearts and actions committed to one only objective, the independence and reunification of the Catalan nation.
To make this leadership afloat, as it is impossible to capitalize the success of independence, we must reaffirm in the character of all those who are immersed, expelling the spectrum of the regressive uniformization, heritage of the state leftism, that softens determination, stops and suffocates the most lucid and courageous voices, and still nowadays resists to pointing at any clear strategy that is killing us, or who carry them out and permit them.
Only the emergence of this courageous and strong leadership, who is able to calling things by their name and ultimately willing to reach the end despite any obstacles in the way, will be able to vertebrate unity, known by all as necessary to the constitution of a dignified independence. Real unity is founded in the recognition of the authority of the most integral and the most able.
A nation cannot go further from where its leaders go. We have bitter memories about this. When leaders are weak, the nation becomes weak too. When leaders are traitors, the nation becomes humiliated. When the leaders are pure mediocre administrators, lacking any love for their country, chaos surfaces being the broth for growing far right forces. But when they are real leaders at the nation's service, this blooms all its possibilities and lives glorious times. We need leaders faithful in the country. To break up corsets, the asphyxiating limitations imposed by leaders unworthy of the Catalan nation, and to take it by their strong hand towards independence.
It is now time for those who want a free Catalonia to act with wisdom, responsibility, generously and loving our Nation, making possible the emergence of the most courageous, most lucid and more committed.
This is a homage to all those who died defending the liberties of Catalonia, and who all honour today, expect from us, from who are living critical and fascinating moments of our history.
Visca Catalunya Lliure!
Maria Torrents, cousellor Catalunya Acció
This is the immediate challenge that we are presented with who love our Catalan nation. Strong leadership must emerge, with men and women with strong character who lead the way to face Spain and France, transforming this suffering defeat into the last push for independence.
This leadership must not come from the actual political parties representing the Spanish legality that wants us assimilated and converted in provinces. Therefore, it must not emerge from the actual regionalist parties, or from those who are supporters of independence by mouth but not acting towards it, those whose ambivalence allow the assimilation process, and the impoverishment of our nation.
This leadership must come from the full support for independence, men and women who have their heads, hearts and actions committed to one only objective, the independence and reunification of the Catalan nation.
To make this leadership afloat, as it is impossible to capitalize the success of independence, we must reaffirm in the character of all those who are immersed, expelling the spectrum of the regressive uniformization, heritage of the state leftism, that softens determination, stops and suffocates the most lucid and courageous voices, and still nowadays resists to pointing at any clear strategy that is killing us, or who carry them out and permit them.
Only the emergence of this courageous and strong leadership, who is able to calling things by their name and ultimately willing to reach the end despite any obstacles in the way, will be able to vertebrate unity, known by all as necessary to the constitution of a dignified independence. Real unity is founded in the recognition of the authority of the most integral and the most able.
A nation cannot go further from where its leaders go. We have bitter memories about this. When leaders are weak, the nation becomes weak too. When leaders are traitors, the nation becomes humiliated. When the leaders are pure mediocre administrators, lacking any love for their country, chaos surfaces being the broth for growing far right forces. But when they are real leaders at the nation's service, this blooms all its possibilities and lives glorious times. We need leaders faithful in the country. To break up corsets, the asphyxiating limitations imposed by leaders unworthy of the Catalan nation, and to take it by their strong hand towards independence.
It is now time for those who want a free Catalonia to act with wisdom, responsibility, generously and loving our Nation, making possible the emergence of the most courageous, most lucid and more committed.
This is a homage to all those who died defending the liberties of Catalonia, and who all honour today, expect from us, from who are living critical and fascinating moments of our history.
Visca Catalunya Lliure!
Maria Torrents, cousellor Catalunya Acció
June 07, 2012
Capitalise the convulsion
Historically, great changes always happened in moments of great political convulsion. The moments when all the structures that seemed unchangeable become vulnerable. Another feature of this type of situations is the great speed in which it occurs, like a glimpse. This is the moment of those who are pursuing to turn the events over, as long as they have the shrewdness and the cleverness to see and face them. And now, Catalonia is starting to have, in front of the eyes, another of the opportunities to reverse its History and become an independent nation.
No doubt that the economic downturn embraces Catalan politics, and every day more people see that Catalonia, without the looting perpetrated by Spain, would not be in the actual situation. The protest of this ignominy officially called "fiscal deficit" has begun to materialize in the campaign against tolls (I don't want to pay). Moreover, this is a direct attack against the financial power of Catalonia -la Caixa is the biggest shareholder of Abertis, that passively collaborates with Spain perpetuating the robbery against Catalonia. When the people defy their oligarchy, everything is possible.
And political power is worse than the financial power. Let's see how damaged the maximum Spanish authority has resulted from his African adventure. All the slimy propaganda from the political class and journalists, consisting in spreading Juan Carlos I's virtues of statesman have demonstrated to be a vulgar lie. It is more clear than ever that the Monarch is a scoundrel, exactly like everyone in his dynasty. Spanish monarchy is discredited due to a series of turbulent affairs.
Meanwhile, Spanish People's Party government accentuates its colonial politics against Catalonia and Catalan president Mas has every day less margin to manoeuvre. Rajoy and his team have abandoned any disguise against Catalonia because the Spanish public opinion is eager to finish with the minidevolution in Catalonia. In front of this offensive, CiU continues with its 5th division tactics, based on throwing periodically a message, allegedly for independence, but that nobody believes, neither in Madrid nor in Barcelona. It is clear that we are close to a power void, because it is very difficult to see anybody who could guarantee that Catalonia would not turn against Spain.
Everything is making everybody feel a collective climate of tiredness of a situation that everybody knows impossible to sustain. Now it is the time of new plans, courageous attitudes and, especially, to stage and assume the conflict we have with Spain. Bury our heads in the sand, saying that this is a simple game in Parliament is not believable any longer. We must say now that this is a conflict between two nations. One that wants the suffocation of the other, by any means at reach. In the past it was through cannons and shootings at dawn, now it is through judge's verdicts.
Santiago Espot
Executive President Catalunya Acció
May 05, 2012
Our best political vanguard!
The best political vanguard is courageous and hard worker and does not stop announcing and preparing our next independent Catalan State.
My political vanguard is who show up for our People and defend their interests, those who already work for our national freedom.
We are already a Nation, let's be a Free Nation!
For Catalan to be our only official language of the new Catalan Republic, necessary condition because Catalan language is the soul and foundation of Catalonia, for all the Nation from Salses to Guardamar and from Fraga to Maó.
News referring to the First popular #novullpagar (I don't want to pay),
- Toni Strubell (Solidaritat): "Today, the Catalan spring has begun. Our people are taking conscience and rebel against bad government and the abuse all Catalans suffer with the business of tolls". 1st May 2012.
- Solidaritat reclaims CCOO and UGT -Spanish trade unions, to join the Catalan people and support the campaign, alerts that the fines announced by CiU are illegal and encourages Catalans to not feel frightened and to continue with the campaign "I don't want to pay".
- Solidaritat celebrates the frank success of the first #novullpagar (01-05-12) to which thousands of Catalans have adhered to. Uriel Bertran (SI), at the toll of Vilassar -C-32, said "we saw a contagious effect and more than 3 of 5 vehicles adhered to the campaign and will not pay more tolls. With the opening of the barriers, Abertis has recognized itself as powerless to pursue any fine". Uriel Bertran has appeared very satisfied with the massive response to the first "I don't want to pay".
- Alfons Lopez Tena, Catalan MP for Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència (SI), sustains that in the majority of civilized countries, big political changes have occurred without popular consultations or wars.
We will not pay. We will make independent Catalonia!
Spain is our ruin. Every day, €45M are robbed from Catalonia to go directly to Spain and never return. This is our worst and permanent crisis, and it has no expiring date. It lasts for more than 30 years, thanks to Catalan politicians that have controlled our country until now.
A conflict for cotton precipitated the independence of the United States of America.
A conflict for salt precipitated the independence of India.
When are we, Catalans, going to find our way to precipitate the independence of the Catalan Nation?
Salvador Molins (BIC-CA, SCI, BxI, ANC)
April 30, 2012
CiU: the servile maid
The revolt of the tolls has been very useful. To see that there are a lot of Catalans who are not willing to put the other cheek. To see that the authentic government in Catalonia belongs to "la Caixa". To see that there are three Catalan MP's who have dignity and position themselves along their people by resigning of their "Teletac" -device that allows the car to pass through a toll without stopping. But, especially, has been useful to know what is the true vocation of the main ruling party in Catalonia, that is not to rule as they want us to see. Their vocation is to be the landlord's maid, be it Spain or a corporation like "Abertis".
The Government of CiU is very well used to follow orders. In the case of the feudal masters Abertis and la Caixa -that continue with the medieval usage of making pay to go through a road, they have run swiftly to please them. And to do so, they have recovered a 1972 law, from the Franco era, that gives the collectors of the tolls almost the same powers as the Civil Guard. This time, their role of guardians of the ghetto has achieved maximal excellency. Only a phonecall from the high management from the company directed by Salvador Alemany has been necessary to threaten the Catalans who do not want to pay tolls.
The maids CiU, cap included, say that they have to keep legality to justify the €100 fines. This domestic service, so legalist, is the same one that would like to trick all Catalans by saying that deeply, they are supporters of independence too. They must believe that Catalans are as dumb as they are and do not know that to become a free country it is necessary to break Spanish legality. Do they think that they will deceive us? If only because of a little skirmish about tolls they place next to the master, what would they do in case of independence? With no doubt, they will place next to Spain, and nothing else. Because of course, law should be guaranteed, and this at this moment, is only Spanish.
This is the real CiU and not the jolly weekender nationalist. They would sing and dance because the master is at the apartment at the beach and allows them to have fun. But during the week, when the job must be done, if Mr Alemany, Fainé or Bourbon ring the bell, they must attend their will.
Catalans might continue voting these maids that get drunk every weekend with wine and spirits, and sing "Visca Catalunya Lliure!" and end up like them, being a nation of maids that get the runs in front of the first threat. I do not believe that the majority of Catalans have this vocation, simply because these days I have seen a lot of compatriots saying "enough" at the toll booths. These gestures dignify the sons of the nation and scare all those who would like to say "yes" to anything. Next Tuesday, May 1st, we will have the opportunity to say "I don't want to pay" #novullpagar massively. When a nation says collectively "NO", no wretched maid can stop their freedom.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
The Government of CiU is very well used to follow orders. In the case of the feudal masters Abertis and la Caixa -that continue with the medieval usage of making pay to go through a road, they have run swiftly to please them. And to do so, they have recovered a 1972 law, from the Franco era, that gives the collectors of the tolls almost the same powers as the Civil Guard. This time, their role of guardians of the ghetto has achieved maximal excellency. Only a phonecall from the high management from the company directed by Salvador Alemany has been necessary to threaten the Catalans who do not want to pay tolls.
The maids CiU, cap included, say that they have to keep legality to justify the €100 fines. This domestic service, so legalist, is the same one that would like to trick all Catalans by saying that deeply, they are supporters of independence too. They must believe that Catalans are as dumb as they are and do not know that to become a free country it is necessary to break Spanish legality. Do they think that they will deceive us? If only because of a little skirmish about tolls they place next to the master, what would they do in case of independence? With no doubt, they will place next to Spain, and nothing else. Because of course, law should be guaranteed, and this at this moment, is only Spanish.
This is the real CiU and not the jolly weekender nationalist. They would sing and dance because the master is at the apartment at the beach and allows them to have fun. But during the week, when the job must be done, if Mr Alemany, Fainé or Bourbon ring the bell, they must attend their will.
Catalans might continue voting these maids that get drunk every weekend with wine and spirits, and sing "Visca Catalunya Lliure!" and end up like them, being a nation of maids that get the runs in front of the first threat. I do not believe that the majority of Catalans have this vocation, simply because these days I have seen a lot of compatriots saying "enough" at the toll booths. These gestures dignify the sons of the nation and scare all those who would like to say "yes" to anything. Next Tuesday, May 1st, we will have the opportunity to say "I don't want to pay" #novullpagar massively. When a nation says collectively "NO", no wretched maid can stop their freedom.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
April 29, 2012
Impressive success of the campaign "I don't want to pay"
Despite the Catalan Government threatening with fining the drivers who "do not want to pay" at the tolls, the campaign continues.
Catalan Government, positioning itself alongside the looters of Catalonia, has published a note in which it is advised to abide by legality and pay for the tolls or face a minimum €100 fine.
Several lawyers have already spoken about the flagrant illegality that is about to be committed by the Government should they are to proceed with the fines, and the General Secretary of Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència (SI) Uriel Bertran CMP, in press conference has promised to counter sue these fines for "corruption and abuse of power". Also, Mr Bertran has qualified this measure of "fake" because the "actual legal framework does not protect the decision by the Government and has recommended all Catalans to close their accounts at "La Caixa".
"La Caixa" is principal shareholder at "Abertis" -concessionary of the tolls, and directors and high ranked managers of "La Caixa" and "Abertis" form part of Convergència i Unió, the ruling party in Catalonia at the moment.
At this moment, the campaign counts with several thousands of followers who have not paid at tolls and the numbers are still growing.
A big concentration is called on May 1st to gather people demonstrate that Catalans "do not want to pay" abusive tolls to circulate through motorways in Catalonia.
Catalan Government, positioning itself alongside the looters of Catalonia, has published a note in which it is advised to abide by legality and pay for the tolls or face a minimum €100 fine.
Several lawyers have already spoken about the flagrant illegality that is about to be committed by the Government should they are to proceed with the fines, and the General Secretary of Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència (SI) Uriel Bertran CMP, in press conference has promised to counter sue these fines for "corruption and abuse of power". Also, Mr Bertran has qualified this measure of "fake" because the "actual legal framework does not protect the decision by the Government and has recommended all Catalans to close their accounts at "La Caixa".
"La Caixa" is principal shareholder at "Abertis" -concessionary of the tolls, and directors and high ranked managers of "La Caixa" and "Abertis" form part of Convergència i Unió, the ruling party in Catalonia at the moment.
At this moment, the campaign counts with several thousands of followers who have not paid at tolls and the numbers are still growing.
A big concentration is called on May 1st to gather people demonstrate that Catalans "do not want to pay" abusive tolls to circulate through motorways in Catalonia.
April 27, 2012
"I don't want to pay"
In Catalonia, there are 303 km (33%) of free motorway versus 617 km (67%) of tolled motorways.
In Madrid, there are 17 km of tolled motorways (3.4%) versus 483 km (96.6%) free.
Andalusia has 192 km of tolled motorways (12.8%) versus 1308 km (87.2%) free of payment.
Extremadura has no tolled motorways.
The situation in Valencia is worse than Catalonia, as they only have one free motorway connecting Valencia with Madrid.
Loads of Catalan motorists have started the campaign "I don't want to pay". They do not want to pay any longer for the free motorways that have been built in Spain for profit of unproductive areas of Spain, all with money coming from Catalonia.
There will be a coordinate demonstration on May 1st, midday, where several thousands of motorists will not pay at the following tolls:
Visca Catalunya!
In Madrid, there are 17 km of tolled motorways (3.4%) versus 483 km (96.6%) free.
Andalusia has 192 km of tolled motorways (12.8%) versus 1308 km (87.2%) free of payment.
Extremadura has no tolled motorways.
The situation in Valencia is worse than Catalonia, as they only have one free motorway connecting Valencia with Madrid.
Loads of Catalan motorists have started the campaign "I don't want to pay". They do not want to pay any longer for the free motorways that have been built in Spain for profit of unproductive areas of Spain, all with money coming from Catalonia.
There will be a coordinate demonstration on May 1st, midday, where several thousands of motorists will not pay at the following tolls:
- VILASSAR, C-32 (both senses)
- MARTORELL, AP-7 (towards Barcelona)
- MOLLET, C-33 (both senses)
- MANRESA, C-16 (both senses)
- GIRONA SUD, AP-7 (junction)
- FIGUERES SUD, AP-7 (junction)
- L'HOSPITALET DE L'INFANT, AP-7 (both senses)
- TÚNELS DEL GARRAF (both senses)
- ULLDECONA-VINARÒS (junction)
- REUS (junction)
- SAGUNT-VALÈNCIA (junction)
- ALGEMESÍ (junction)
- AMPOSTA-DELTEBRE (junction)
- CASTELLÓ (junction)
- TERRASSA-LES FONTS(both senses)
We wish all the success on this day and to everyone of the motorists who, from a fortnight ago, have not paid abusive prices in tolls that are almost not existent in the rest of Spain, causing severe anxiety at "Abertis", concessionary of the motorway tolls.
Visca Catalunya!
December 02, 2011
Censorship dressed as a fairy
Salvador Cot wrote that the journalists and photographers at El País did not give credit to what was happening in front of their very eyes, when Núria de Gispert appeared dressed as a fairy to a photographic session that has immortalized her as one of the greatest ignominies from a high political representative of Catalonia. The infantilism of the President of the Parliament will remain for the posterity.
In fact, the picture was premonitory because as a spoiled brat -those who have had everything without any effort, has reactions of that age. If somebody embarrass them, they react randomly and believe to be above from everybody. The President of the Catalan Parliament is one of these cases and throwed the toys out of the pram when the MP's from Solidaritat per la Independència (SI) said that "Spain steals from us". Mrs de Gispert thinks that "is not beautiful " in a Parliament that she would like full of fairies and smurfs. Then, her wand becomes, magically, the censor hammer to the MP's supporters of independence. She does not mind to sympathize with those MP's from Ciudadanos and the People's Party who have qualified as nazis all Catalans who defend the Catalan language in the schools of Catalonia. The President of the Parliament only wants that all the MP's to sing and dance as in the school yard.
Mrs de Gispert will be very busy if she believes that with this totalitarian decision will end with the debate for independence of Catalonia at the Catalan Parliament, that has become now military barracks instead of a fair. Our fairy want to be "the General". Does she know what she is doing? She must know that having the House she thinks is governing as she pleases has cost a lot of Catalans their efforts and lives, and amongst them, a lot of people who wanted independence and were convinced that, in fact, "Spain robs from us". If she thinks that has to silence the voice of freedom for Catalonia to keep her back garden looking tidy, will soon have to learn how to deal with it. We will not keep our mouths shut even with the full powers of her magic wand.
However, the saddest of this matter is seeing how the ruling party, always full of democracy and the right of Catalans to decide, has been unable to raise a single voice against this censorship. We must not forget that not even the President of the Spanish Parliament banned Herri Batasuna's MPs -ETA's political branch- from using similar expressions when they threw really fiery speeches towards Spain. Thanks to Núria de Gispert, José Bono will be a complete democrat. We define this as the degradation of Catalonia. Mrs President of the Parliament, put your wand up your ... head and make yourself disappear.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Mrs de Gispert as she appeared in the aforementioned photo.
In fact, the picture was premonitory because as a spoiled brat -those who have had everything without any effort, has reactions of that age. If somebody embarrass them, they react randomly and believe to be above from everybody. The President of the Catalan Parliament is one of these cases and throwed the toys out of the pram when the MP's from Solidaritat per la Independència (SI) said that "Spain steals from us". Mrs de Gispert thinks that "is not beautiful " in a Parliament that she would like full of fairies and smurfs. Then, her wand becomes, magically, the censor hammer to the MP's supporters of independence. She does not mind to sympathize with those MP's from Ciudadanos and the People's Party who have qualified as nazis all Catalans who defend the Catalan language in the schools of Catalonia. The President of the Parliament only wants that all the MP's to sing and dance as in the school yard.
Mrs de Gispert will be very busy if she believes that with this totalitarian decision will end with the debate for independence of Catalonia at the Catalan Parliament, that has become now military barracks instead of a fair. Our fairy want to be "the General". Does she know what she is doing? She must know that having the House she thinks is governing as she pleases has cost a lot of Catalans their efforts and lives, and amongst them, a lot of people who wanted independence and were convinced that, in fact, "Spain robs from us". If she thinks that has to silence the voice of freedom for Catalonia to keep her back garden looking tidy, will soon have to learn how to deal with it. We will not keep our mouths shut even with the full powers of her magic wand.
However, the saddest of this matter is seeing how the ruling party, always full of democracy and the right of Catalans to decide, has been unable to raise a single voice against this censorship. We must not forget that not even the President of the Spanish Parliament banned Herri Batasuna's MPs -ETA's political branch- from using similar expressions when they threw really fiery speeches towards Spain. Thanks to Núria de Gispert, José Bono will be a complete democrat. We define this as the degradation of Catalonia. Mrs President of the Parliament, put your wand up your ... head and make yourself disappear.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Mrs de Gispert as she appeared in the aforementioned photo.
November 21, 2011
We must add people's will to political determination for Independence
"No Nation can go any further than where its politicians want to take it". Maria Torrents, Catalunya Acció.
As an example, I can tell you that half the World's population and a lot of North-Americans could not stop war in Iraq, and I will tell you that half Italy could not sack Berlusconi. It was Bush and Merkel, who were and are politicians with strong will. They could do it, they were able to conduct a war that was not wanted by millions and to fire Berlusconi, supported by half Italy. And they did it in a matter of days.
We must add for Independence, coordinate and make both wills grow. For Independence we must also build two entities. The one with all supporters of independence -people- and the political parties supporters of independence -those that make politics for independence. Let's prepare for Independence! Do not stop here! Salvador Molins.
It should be noted that participation in these elections could have had a short-term interest, practical, focused not in the Spanish Parliament but within our country. Creating and visualizing a wide, diverse, unmissable and united front for the common and priority benefit of independence. It has not been possible. Anyway. The conditions are on the table. In any case, on November 20th, the social base that might have found their space of expression has a tutti-frutti of possibilities to choose from. There will be who will abstain from voting, directly; who has printed a separatist ensign to vote conscientiously null and who will choose amongst the existences. And more, possibly.
That is right. But the really relevant question, for the country, for this Principality of Catalonia that has majorities for independence, and for the rest of the Catalan Countries that do not cease of observing it, will not appear on the 20th, but today, 21st. Because it is time to focus our attention in what is really important. Times have changed. It is time to begin to specify. Tic-tac. Now it is time to prepare the transition to independence.
Núria Cadenes
As an example, I can tell you that half the World's population and a lot of North-Americans could not stop war in Iraq, and I will tell you that half Italy could not sack Berlusconi. It was Bush and Merkel, who were and are politicians with strong will. They could do it, they were able to conduct a war that was not wanted by millions and to fire Berlusconi, supported by half Italy. And they did it in a matter of days.
We must add for Independence, coordinate and make both wills grow. For Independence we must also build two entities. The one with all supporters of independence -people- and the political parties supporters of independence -those that make politics for independence. Let's prepare for Independence! Do not stop here! Salvador Molins.
It should be noted that participation in these elections could have had a short-term interest, practical, focused not in the Spanish Parliament but within our country. Creating and visualizing a wide, diverse, unmissable and united front for the common and priority benefit of independence. It has not been possible. Anyway. The conditions are on the table. In any case, on November 20th, the social base that might have found their space of expression has a tutti-frutti of possibilities to choose from. There will be who will abstain from voting, directly; who has printed a separatist ensign to vote conscientiously null and who will choose amongst the existences. And more, possibly.
That is right. But the really relevant question, for the country, for this Principality of Catalonia that has majorities for independence, and for the rest of the Catalan Countries that do not cease of observing it, will not appear on the 20th, but today, 21st. Because it is time to focus our attention in what is really important. Times have changed. It is time to begin to specify. Tic-tac. Now it is time to prepare the transition to independence.
Núria Cadenes
September 28, 2011
We are forced to overcome
Catalans are forced to overcome. Thousand years of History, culture, language and identity are not casual. They are not casual because despite all blasts, hatred, wars, division of our Nation, the constant try of genocide and extermination suffered, even nowadays, we are the living example of a resistive, combative nation proud of oneself, even if this pride is not always explicitly shown.
We are forced to overcome. Because a nation that has been able to resist blows of constant hatred for centuries is destined to disappear not but to overcome. Because we form part of a country which, when everything seems lost, when the cruelty of the knives against our skins seems to reach our bone marrow, this country, the holly Catalan Nation, has the capacity to emerge from the ashes and resprouts within the patriot's hearts the strength and nerve that appeared deadly wounded.
We are forced to overcome because we are at war. Catalonia is in war against hatred, against hatred to the difference we represent; hatred against our inner capacity of resistance, against our stubborn will to continue existing; against our persistance. And we are at war against a political class who, with their inaction, their fiscal teasing and their complicity following the Spanish and French establishments, perpetuates and legitimates a colonial situation that is taking Catalonia to a sure death.
We are forced to overcome because are indebited to the thousands of Catalans who, during Centuries, have died defending the Independence of the Catalan Nation. For all those Catalans who during Centuries, suffered execution, looting, prosecution, torture, mockery, contempt, violation... only for being Catalan. For all those who, in the last decades, have suffered torture under presumably democratic regimes, only for being supporters of independence. We have the moral right to honour our patriots, philosophers, poets, painters, architects, scientists, musicians, soldiers, national heroes... and glorify their names at the altars of the future that we are beginning to conquer.
We are forced to overcome because our is the battle of love. An infinite and unnegotiable love for our roots, our language, our Catalan identity, our geography, to the memory of our ancestors, freedom and dignity. And love to recuperate the Catalan State to live fully and normally within our own country. The battle for independence is not just another battle, is the battle of love against hatred.
This love towards ourselves is what has fed our people and given them strength to resist the rushes of Spanish and French hate. And this love is today, again, the force that feeds the soldiers of freedom, the soldiers of the freedom of Catalonia.
Catalans, on September 11th come out to proclaim a victory that we want -and will- be real, and proclaim with our heads up our pride of being Catalan. And that, conscious of the strength that this love and our moral duty will bring us the final victory. Do not doubt, we shall overcome.
Visca Catalunya Lliure!
Albert Ubach
Member of Catalunya Acció
August 29, 2011
Heribert Barrera's name will be written in golden characters in our History books
Heribert Barrera defended the Independence of Catalonia until his last minute. Thank you!
The ex-president of our Parliament, and ERC -Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya- historical leader has died at the age of 94.
Heribert Barrera, after an extraordinary career in defense of Catalonia, and at his 94 years of age, marched in front of the last demonstration in support of the independence of Catalonia, with a header "For our future: INDEPENDENCE". This was on July 9th, just a month ago, in Barcelona. Shame on the high profile politicians who remained at home that day.
In that rally, this honourable and venerable defender of Catalonia, alongside Drs Broggi and Domènech had to be lifted with a small forklift onto a makeshift scaffolding to be seen during their speech at the end.
This was the last real homage from the "Ignobles" to one of the most significates and corageous defenders of actual Catalonia, Heribert Barrera.
His name will appear in golden letters in our History books whereas todays ruling Ignoble will be forgotten forever.
Some of whom will publicly homage Mr Barrera at his funeral, will have to be ashamed of their own meanness.
Salvador Molins
Counsellor of Catalunya Acció
May 24, 2011
Spain's secret conflict
April 22, 2011
Former IMF Chief Economist says Catalonia would be "one of the richest countries in the world" if it were independent
CNA / F. Javier Rodríguez Baena Barcelona (ACN).
“Catalonia, as an independent nation, would be one of the richest countries in the world”, stated the former IMF Chief Economist, Kenneth Rogoff, in an interview to Capital magazine, in which he reviews the Spain’s economic situation. Rogoff, currently professor at Harvard University, defends that Spain “has many strong points” such as “excellent companies and regions like Catalonia”, but he thinks that “there is a high probability that Spain may have to be rescued”. This would be the case, as “Greece, Ireland and Portugal would have to reorganise their debt. And when this happens, markets would go crazy” and the rescue would be almost unavoidable, explained Rogoff. If Europe did not rescue Spain in that case, the entire Eurozone would be at risk and even France could fall.
The interview with Kenneth Rogoff at the 'Capital' magazine (by ACN / Capital)
Rogoff said it is “unimaginable that Europe would leave Spain to go bankrupt without lending any help”. But, “if it was to suspend payments, things would not end this way. It would spread to Belgium, Italy... and France”. The prestigious economist warns today the Spanish debt is already at “a dangerous level to deal with but if it increases another 30%, then it would not be able to be governed in any way”. Rogoff warns Europe that it should set a “red line” in the case of Spain. The former economist says that the Spanish Government has not reacted fast enough, but admits that recent reforms have strengthened the country.
The United States of America endorse the linguistic immersion in Catalan
The USA have endorsed the linguistic immersion in Catalan, in their 2010 annual report on Human Rights. The American Secretary of State considers that "there have been cases where Catalan speakers have shown worries by the fact that Catalan language does not receive the same treat of favour". In this sense, they report that "this Government, as well as the previous one, have endorsed the actual educational model and sustain that the decision by the Supreme Tribunal refers to three determined cases and that the actual Catalan linguistic policies are adequate. The Spanish Supreme Tribunal sentenced that Spanish language should prevail in all communications and classrooms in Catalonia. Catalan leaders in favour of the actual model of immersion affirm that pupils end up having the same knowledge of Catalan as well as of Spanish".
Ultimately, about Catalan exams for University lecturers, it is highlighted that "the Decree allows Universities to waive this requirement for personnel working full-time in research or lecturers who teach in a foreign language, so not to lose talented lecturers and professors. Universities may delay this exam for a period of two years after the effective start of the contract".
April 19, 2011
Espot: "They want to feed the Spanish anthem through our blood"
Solidaritat Catalana considers that the sound system to be used for the Spanish anthem, prior to the Spanish Cup final, is an aggression to public health.
The Spanish FA has contracted a 100000W sound system to silence the possible whistling to the Spanish anthem by Barcelona supporters. However, this measure is having its political repercussion.
This afternoon, Santiago Espot, candidate to Mayor of Barcelona for Solidaritat Catalana, has threatened to sue the Spanish FA due to "this power of noise violates the civic ordinances of Valencia. It is an attack against public health; they want to feed the Spanish anthem through our blood". Santiago Espot was sued for instigating a whistling action during the Cup final two years ago, in 2009, when FC Barcelona played against Athletic Club Bilbao.
In this sense, Espot has deplored that "no political institution in Catalonia has regretted this, even though there will be Catalans attending the football match FC Barcelona-Real Madrid". "Contracting this power of noise is typical of sick minded", he asserted.
The Spanish FA has contracted a 100000W sound system to silence the possible whistling to the Spanish anthem by Barcelona supporters. However, this measure is having its political repercussion. This afternoon, Santiago Espot, candidate to Mayor of Barcelona for Solidaritat Catalana, has threatened to sue the Spanish FA due to "this power of noise violates the civic ordinances of Valencia. It is an attack against public health; they want to feed the Spanish anthem through our blood". Santiago Espot was sued for instigating a whistling action during the Cup final two years ago, in 2009, when FC Barcelona played against Athletic Club Bilbao.
In this sense, Espot has deplored that "no political institution in Catalonia has regretted this, even though there will be Catalans attending the football match FC Barcelona-Real Madrid". "Contracting this power of noise is typical of sick minded", he asserted.
March 14, 2011
Why "Solidaritat Catalana"?
I have always been convinced that the process of independence of Catalonia had to be galvanized by a new political force. I mean: I would not like that was only starred on its own. Support for independence of Catalonia is too polyhedral and transversal for this to be possible. Moreover, Catalans have not the gregarious spirit possessed by other nations as to dance at the same time to the same tune. Look at the Parliament of the Principality of Catalonia, there now coexist eight political formations, since the last act of desertion of a Member of the Parliament. And that now happens when everywhere, it tends to the concentration of the vote in only a few options. This only certifies that our country is very difficult, politically speaking.
From Catalunya Acció, and following this script, since the beginning of 2009, have talked about this new political option to activate a process of creation of an independent Catalan State. After what surrounded the elections on November 28th, one political party was erected the winner: Solidaritat Catalana (SI). However, we must reckon that too often, too many expectations from the new or emerging actors on stage have been disappointing only beginning. Who does not remember ERC -Esquerra Republicana- or the names Colom and Rahola?
This has not been the case of SI, only with the Declaration of Independence Act and the support for the independence poll next April 10th, has done more to break with Spain that other who, calling themselves supporters of independence, have dragged their feet for years and years on the corridors of the Parliament of Catalonia. In fact, this last declaration, has achieved an unlikely and determining fact to allow the Parliament, one day, to proclaim unilateral independence of the Catalan State. Our Congress recognises itself as home of the sovereignty of the Catalan People.
The parliamentary action by Solidaritat has demonstrated that their goal and their priority is of the declaration of independence. The same one Catalunya Acció was asking for since its creation, the beginning of 2005. In such situation, what did we had to do? Do as any other small group and say that we did not agree with the colour of the trousers or the tie of their MP's? The famous "unity" that we asked for starts by praising other people's achievements. At least, we do not hurt by celebrating Tena's, Bertran's Strubell's, Valdero's or Lopez Bofill's good doing and of the thousands of who have adhered to the project of SI, despite the differences we might have had in the past. This is not the residual support for independence, it is the emerging one, and "express"! Because this service is the fastest, most modern and efficient, unlike the Spanish civil servant mentality characterized by the infamous "come tomorrow" which has grafted within a lot of our nationals, visiting too often "Carrera de San Jeronimo".
For all this, the best way, from the ranks of Catalunya Acció, to grow and to make stronger Solidaritat Catalana, is to coordinate efforts of both organizations, beginning by being me, after yesterday elections, in their candidate to Mayor of Barcelona. And I can assure, in case I am elected, that my political action within its Council will be well clear, to make our city the spearhead of the process for independence of Catalonia. Only in this way is how our capital city may start acquiring a personality and character of the capital of the next Catalan State.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published by Nació Digital
From Catalunya Acció, and following this script, since the beginning of 2009, have talked about this new political option to activate a process of creation of an independent Catalan State. After what surrounded the elections on November 28th, one political party was erected the winner: Solidaritat Catalana (SI). However, we must reckon that too often, too many expectations from the new or emerging actors on stage have been disappointing only beginning. Who does not remember ERC -Esquerra Republicana- or the names Colom and Rahola?
This has not been the case of SI, only with the Declaration of Independence Act and the support for the independence poll next April 10th, has done more to break with Spain that other who, calling themselves supporters of independence, have dragged their feet for years and years on the corridors of the Parliament of Catalonia. In fact, this last declaration, has achieved an unlikely and determining fact to allow the Parliament, one day, to proclaim unilateral independence of the Catalan State. Our Congress recognises itself as home of the sovereignty of the Catalan People.
The parliamentary action by Solidaritat has demonstrated that their goal and their priority is of the declaration of independence. The same one Catalunya Acció was asking for since its creation, the beginning of 2005. In such situation, what did we had to do? Do as any other small group and say that we did not agree with the colour of the trousers or the tie of their MP's? The famous "unity" that we asked for starts by praising other people's achievements. At least, we do not hurt by celebrating Tena's, Bertran's Strubell's, Valdero's or Lopez Bofill's good doing and of the thousands of who have adhered to the project of SI, despite the differences we might have had in the past. This is not the residual support for independence, it is the emerging one, and "express"! Because this service is the fastest, most modern and efficient, unlike the Spanish civil servant mentality characterized by the infamous "come tomorrow" which has grafted within a lot of our nationals, visiting too often "Carrera de San Jeronimo".
For all this, the best way, from the ranks of Catalunya Acció, to grow and to make stronger Solidaritat Catalana, is to coordinate efforts of both organizations, beginning by being me, after yesterday elections, in their candidate to Mayor of Barcelona. And I can assure, in case I am elected, that my political action within its Council will be well clear, to make our city the spearhead of the process for independence of Catalonia. Only in this way is how our capital city may start acquiring a personality and character of the capital of the next Catalan State.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published by Nació Digital
March 05, 2011
"Ciudadanos" fears that the independence of Catalonia will be achieved in 4 or 8 years
On the right: Albert Rivera, presenting the petition against independence of Catalonia in Madrid The President of "Ciudadanos" (C's), nacionalist Spanish party in Catalonia, has requested the Spanish President, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, to "react" and stop the debate at the Catalan Parliament about the independence of Catalonia. Ciudadanos alerts that support for independence might win "in four to eight years". Albert Rivera, President of Ciudadanos, affirmed that the Bureau of the Parliament committed "a big mistake" when it allowed a process that "dynamites coexistence and the Constitutional system" the go-ahead. The debate about our independence is as serious as if "it legally requested annexation of Valencia to Catalonia".
The petition by C's
C's reclaim that the Spanish government presented, before two months, an appeal to unconstitutionality against the decision by the Bureau of the Parliament of Catalonia. This decision was for allowing the debate the Unilateral Independence Act, proposed by Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència. Not appealing against that, in Ciudadanos' opinion, will be fatal to the unity of Spain. Mr Rivera explained that, although might not succeed now, the debate will create a precedent and "what today might not win in vote, perhaps in four to eight years would be possible".
Stop the proposal
The President of C's asked the Spanish government to act in the same way they did against the Consultations via Referendum Act, and presents an appeal to the Constitutional Court to stop the proposal. In C's opinion, "it is absurd that an autonomic Parliament, lacked of sovereignty and capacity to debate the establishment of new borders within Spain, pretended to do so".
Link to the news (in Catalan) http://www.naciodigital.cat/noticia/22901/tem/independencia/arribi/anys
This is Spanish "democracy". Never mind Catalans and what the majority of them think and act upon.
February 08, 2011
Inauguration of the four columns by Puig i Cadafalch
On Sunday, February 27th 2011, at 11:30 hours, Montjuïc, Barcelona.
Finally, the day of the inauguration has arrived, and we ask for your help to spread the good news amongst your contacts. It not like any other day and not like any other inauguration. It is a historical date.
The restitution of an emblematic monument demolished by that Spanish dictator (Primo de Rivera) who could not allow its symbolism of the four Catalan paly. After 72 years, we have achieved to revoke their will of annihilating our most emblematic and magnificent ensign of identity, reinstituting it almost in its original place.
Yes, our ensign of identity, our will to exist so criticized nowadays by all those who, from within and from the outside, would like another one.
Reasons for the restitution:
Many thanks for your collaboration.
Enric Pedrosa. President Associació J-N Roca Ferreras
Original columns and pictures from their demolishing
Finally, the day of the inauguration has arrived, and we ask for your help to spread the good news amongst your contacts. It not like any other day and not like any other inauguration. It is a historical date.
The restitution of an emblematic monument demolished by that Spanish dictator (Primo de Rivera) who could not allow its symbolism of the four Catalan paly. After 72 years, we have achieved to revoke their will of annihilating our most emblematic and magnificent ensign of identity, reinstituting it almost in its original place.
Yes, our ensign of identity, our will to exist so criticized nowadays by all those who, from within and from the outside, would like another one.
Reasons for the restitution:
- To honour the memory of all those men and women who have fought for our National freedom.
- Because it is the most representative monument of our Nation.
- Because it is an act of self-esteem and Historical affirmation.
- Because democracy has to recuperate what a dictatorship demolished for being a symbol of Catalonia.
- Because it is an important part of our Historical memory.
- Because it was heritage of great value, linked to Mediterranean and Hellenic cultures, universal values that fund Western culture.
- Because the restitution of these columns is a reaffirmation of our nationality in front any dictatorship.
Many thanks for your collaboration.
Enric Pedrosa. President Associació J-N Roca Ferreras
Original columns and pictures from their demolishing
January 10, 2011
The same old song
One of the main goals pursued by the electoral strategist of CiU was to make people believe that Artur Mas had firmly turned towards positions they called "soverignist". Have they succeeded? Unfortunately, we must recognize that yes, they have done so. We have to look at the actual climate for independence that is to be perceived in the country and the results from the last elections to establish a direct correlation. What has happened? Very simple. Last November 28th, large part of Catalans thought that CiU will bring us independence at the touch of a button dancing to Caribbean rhythms.
It all began with the tune about the "economic concert", as the previous step to the construction of a future Catalan State. We cannot negate that this script, in such candid people -politically speaking- as Catalonia, had the success assured. Moreover, voting CiU meant to end the Way of the Cross of the "Tripartite". En such a favourable situation, everything was to be won by the moderate nationalists.
However, do not think that this discourse responded to that they had discovered by themselves that the coexistance of Catalonia and Spain is actually impossible. What has happened is that since the poll at Arenys de Munt, the axis of the political debate in the Principality of Catalonia has been about independence of the Nation and the traditional voters of CiU have openly positioned towards secession.
That gesture made all us believe that freedom is possible, and from that moment everything was rushed at their headquarters on carrer de Còrsega so as not to remain on the fringes of this climate of breaking from Spain that was taking over the majority of their clientele. It was about to take their profit but also to slow down the possible exciting pace that the process of independence was taking at the time.
It is not the first time that CiU has encountered the same situation. In fact, during the first term of Jordi Pujol in charge, the party had supporters of independence in their ranks. Though, that time, it was very easy for the former President to tame those elements with the excuse that Catalonia was coming out Francoism and that the collaboration to consolidate the incipient Spanish democracy. The independence business had to wait a bit. Some years later, the Baltic Republics showed us that European borders were not untouchable and that Catalans saw that Lithuanians, Estonians and Letonians were models to follow. Very quickly, however, Pujol discouraged us by saying "Catalonia is like Lithuania, but Spain is not the USSR". The process of creation of a new Catalan State stopped there and then because it was a matter to ensure the "governance and stability of Spain".
But actually, support for independence, is a lot more present in the country than when that took place. It has even been the main topic of the voting campaigns of the People's Party -PP- and Socialists -PSC-. What has CiU done? Having no other choice, its leaders were told to say they were supporting independence too. They had to keep the pace as not too miss any vote. But, of course, for them, never is the right time to break with Spain. For one reason or the other. They cannot say that we must "reform" or "get boxed in" Spain because nobody would believe in them, so that the new slogan is that "we must take Catalonia out of the pothole". Although, what other name has this pothole but Spain?
Their problem is, though, despite having winked their eye to independence due to electoral obligations, they do not believe in a free Catalonia. Their slave mentality stops them from seeing our people with the same ties with Spain that Denmark might have, for instance, in an European framework. Independently from what they say, will continue to represent the script described by Carles M. Espinalt in 1986, in his essay L'error de certs catalanistes -The mistake of certain Catalanist- in which is said "there is a type of Catalan always willing to make politics their way of life and does not irritate in Madrid neither a lot nor a little. It is this Catalan that degrading his values to unthinkable limits, confuses political ability with lack of character and back-bowing with diplomacy, and possibilism with taking his pants down". Does Duran i Lleida do not come to your mind?
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published at "El Punt", December 31st 2010.
It all began with the tune about the "economic concert", as the previous step to the construction of a future Catalan State. We cannot negate that this script, in such candid people -politically speaking- as Catalonia, had the success assured. Moreover, voting CiU meant to end the Way of the Cross of the "Tripartite". En such a favourable situation, everything was to be won by the moderate nationalists.
However, do not think that this discourse responded to that they had discovered by themselves that the coexistance of Catalonia and Spain is actually impossible. What has happened is that since the poll at Arenys de Munt, the axis of the political debate in the Principality of Catalonia has been about independence of the Nation and the traditional voters of CiU have openly positioned towards secession.
That gesture made all us believe that freedom is possible, and from that moment everything was rushed at their headquarters on carrer de Còrsega so as not to remain on the fringes of this climate of breaking from Spain that was taking over the majority of their clientele. It was about to take their profit but also to slow down the possible exciting pace that the process of independence was taking at the time.
It is not the first time that CiU has encountered the same situation. In fact, during the first term of Jordi Pujol in charge, the party had supporters of independence in their ranks. Though, that time, it was very easy for the former President to tame those elements with the excuse that Catalonia was coming out Francoism and that the collaboration to consolidate the incipient Spanish democracy. The independence business had to wait a bit. Some years later, the Baltic Republics showed us that European borders were not untouchable and that Catalans saw that Lithuanians, Estonians and Letonians were models to follow. Very quickly, however, Pujol discouraged us by saying "Catalonia is like Lithuania, but Spain is not the USSR". The process of creation of a new Catalan State stopped there and then because it was a matter to ensure the "governance and stability of Spain".
But actually, support for independence, is a lot more present in the country than when that took place. It has even been the main topic of the voting campaigns of the People's Party -PP- and Socialists -PSC-. What has CiU done? Having no other choice, its leaders were told to say they were supporting independence too. They had to keep the pace as not too miss any vote. But, of course, for them, never is the right time to break with Spain. For one reason or the other. They cannot say that we must "reform" or "get boxed in" Spain because nobody would believe in them, so that the new slogan is that "we must take Catalonia out of the pothole". Although, what other name has this pothole but Spain?
Their problem is, though, despite having winked their eye to independence due to electoral obligations, they do not believe in a free Catalonia. Their slave mentality stops them from seeing our people with the same ties with Spain that Denmark might have, for instance, in an European framework. Independently from what they say, will continue to represent the script described by Carles M. Espinalt in 1986, in his essay L'error de certs catalanistes -The mistake of certain Catalanist- in which is said "there is a type of Catalan always willing to make politics their way of life and does not irritate in Madrid neither a lot nor a little. It is this Catalan that degrading his values to unthinkable limits, confuses political ability with lack of character and back-bowing with diplomacy, and possibilism with taking his pants down". Does Duran i Lleida do not come to your mind?
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published at "El Punt", December 31st 2010.
November 28, 2010
Independence 2014
Late in 2005, Catalunya Acció was born, and proposed the date of 2014 as the date to achieve the Independence of our country. Then, almost everybody defined us as fools. Those were the days when ERC -Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya-, captained by Carod-Rovira, changed their wish for independence for the Spanish federalism of Maragall and Zapatero. Times of "misty rain". But dating the creation of a Catalan State was not a witticism but a reflection and analysis process and a compromise. A decade, doing things properly, was, and still is, enough to place a winning strategy.
Later, disappointment came with ERC, after their euphemistic and absurd "right to decide", the courage of the people from Arenys de Munt and the slap from the Constitutional Court. All, necessary tolls in a process to independence. While this all was happening, it was needed, we said, to canalize this growing secessionist feeling in its electoral form. Catalunya Acció never wanted to do it alone, because we knew that a minimal unity, wisely made, was necessary. Our history shows that to succeed, we need teamwork. Undoubtedly, we are the people of the human towers and sardana. But nobody believed us because they said "it was not the right time". But because we are not the ones who wait for the moment but creates it, decided to publicize the party "Força Catalunya".
It seems that since then, everybody saw it all and they run to "reagroup", and not long afterwards, some others not quite satisfied with this, "solidarized"... but only among themselves. Then, "solidaries" and "reagroupped" recuperate the best tradition of our fraternal fights, such as "nyerros and cadells" or the "Biga and Busca". With such a view, and because the people of Catalunya Acció have overcome the time of swords and blunderbusses, the wisest is not to take part for any of the sides and we have voluntarily withdrawn from these elections.
Taking into consideration the expectations of vote for ones and the others, most surely the battle for an independent Catalan State will not be fought on November 28th, despite that if a big coalition for independence had existed, probably we could have had the opportunity to convert this Sunday into the first real plebiscite to break with Spain. Notwithstanding that what we have achieved -and this is the great victory- that in this dull electoral campaign "independence" has been the most pronounced word. Now, we are in front of four years in which we may transform the collective state of mind into a reality, provided that frivolity does not bar neither common sense nor vision of future. The elections in 2014 must be the real ones for freedom.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published on November 27 2010 on Opinió Digital.
Later, disappointment came with ERC, after their euphemistic and absurd "right to decide", the courage of the people from Arenys de Munt and the slap from the Constitutional Court. All, necessary tolls in a process to independence. While this all was happening, it was needed, we said, to canalize this growing secessionist feeling in its electoral form. Catalunya Acció never wanted to do it alone, because we knew that a minimal unity, wisely made, was necessary. Our history shows that to succeed, we need teamwork. Undoubtedly, we are the people of the human towers and sardana. But nobody believed us because they said "it was not the right time". But because we are not the ones who wait for the moment but creates it, decided to publicize the party "Força Catalunya".
It seems that since then, everybody saw it all and they run to "reagroup", and not long afterwards, some others not quite satisfied with this, "solidarized"... but only among themselves. Then, "solidaries" and "reagroupped" recuperate the best tradition of our fraternal fights, such as "nyerros and cadells" or the "Biga and Busca". With such a view, and because the people of Catalunya Acció have overcome the time of swords and blunderbusses, the wisest is not to take part for any of the sides and we have voluntarily withdrawn from these elections.
Taking into consideration the expectations of vote for ones and the others, most surely the battle for an independent Catalan State will not be fought on November 28th, despite that if a big coalition for independence had existed, probably we could have had the opportunity to convert this Sunday into the first real plebiscite to break with Spain. Notwithstanding that what we have achieved -and this is the great victory- that in this dull electoral campaign "independence" has been the most pronounced word. Now, we are in front of four years in which we may transform the collective state of mind into a reality, provided that frivolity does not bar neither common sense nor vision of future. The elections in 2014 must be the real ones for freedom.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció
Article published on November 27 2010 on Opinió Digital.
November 14, 2010
The Jewish State (Theodore Herzl)
What is "The Jewish State" -this capital book in the history of Judaism- in the diffusion of Zionism? Well, something like "The Catalan nationality" by Enric Prat de la Riba, or "Us, the Valencians" by Joan Fuster. A foundational text, fundamental for the comprehension of the nationality by the Jewish people, and a way to their accomplishment as a Nation. The book is a breviary where this Jew born in Pest, and son of a rich family, journalist, playwright, Bachelor in Law, formulated the bases for the resolution of the Jewish problem: the necessary will of the Jewish people, negotiation and international intervention to look for a territory and the solution.
Herzl (1860-1904), conscious of the strength and durability of the anti-Semitism, pointed towards a solution that, ensured, will be achieved years after his death. And he enumerated the bases, the program, the method to build the Jewish Nation. Two localities appear ideal to accommodate the people of the Diaspora and the Holocaust: Argentine and Palestine.
Herzl, one year after the publication of this principal book, convoked in Basel the World Zionist Congress, occupying the presidency of the Zionist Organization.
The first step was taken. The book shook consciences and started an unheard mobilization across the globe. Second, the Judaism created a successful organizational structure, necessary tool to achieve the goal.
As a people that suffers from national oppression and the deprivation of its own State, "The Jewish State" constitutes for Catalans a necessary reading to know the experiences of other peoples wishing for their freedom.
Pere Meroño
About winners and losers
Besides a jubilant Sebastian Vettel, this is the face of a Spanish loser. Fernando Alonso believed that he had to win this year's F1 title because it "had to belong to him".
But reality has shown otherwise.
And this is the very same face that the rest of Spaniards will make when Catalonia achieves its well deserved -and extremely well paid already- independence from that country. Because Catalonia does not belong to Spain or France.
Congratulations Sebastian Vettel. Thanks for not allowing Spanish hooligans destroy our country like they did when they won the football World Cup earlier this year.
November 01, 2010
The lipdub for independence of Catalonia achieves world record
With a final participation of 5771 people, the lipdub for independence in the city of Vic (Principality of Catalonia), has been awarded the world largest participation ever in a lipdub by the World Records Academy.
Catalunya Acció UK would like to congratulate the participants for having achieved the award, showing that the wish for independence in Catalonia is stronger than ever.
To watch the full video, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muTMLuGWrp8
Addendum: Subtitles in several languages, translating the lyrics can be inserted, clicking the icon "cc" that appears at the bottom bar on the video.
Catalunya Acció UK would like to congratulate the participants for having achieved the award, showing that the wish for independence in Catalonia is stronger than ever.
To watch the full video, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muTMLuGWrp8
Addendum: Subtitles in several languages, translating the lyrics can be inserted, clicking the icon "cc" that appears at the bottom bar on the video.
October 10, 2010
The country is failing from the top
Neither the interested leaders of CiU -Convergència i Unió-, with their obsessive and irresponsible "boxing" of Catalonia within Spain, nor the PSC -Socialists-, lackeys to their Spanish landlord, nor the wise Carod-Puigcercós tandem, with their childish idea of a "multinational Spain" will be able to take us out of this siding that is Spain. To which we have arrived after 30 years walking through the wrong track. The strategies by Pujol, Mas, Maragall and Carod-Puigcercós have been, and are, wrong, and thus, their results are awful -situation of the Catalan language, knowledge of our own History, infrastructures, economy, services, pensions...-. Although they were absolutely predictable due to the experiences prior to the Francoist dictatorship.
Slaves incapable to break free from their owner always look for the most comfortable way of living together. So that our political leaders have carried out absurd and negative politics for Catalonia such as "collaborate to the Spanish governability" while all the Spanish governments have looted from our taxes; "doing pedagogy in Spain" while Spain insults us on our faces; "build a federal Spain, or multinational Spain" while Spain has it clear that there is only one Spain which is already built from centuries ago.
Nobody surprises that we found ourselves where we are now, it is very simple to identify the cause -a wrong strategy for the country- and its responsibles -our political leaders-. Unless we correct the strategy and direct our direction towards the constitution of a Catalan State, we continue to walk this rocky road until we become a sad and poor Spanish region. It is simply what happens to the colonies that do not free themselves on time. There is no alternative, do not believe those wizards of the politics that have lead this country making us believe that the understanding with Spain is possible.
Because of this, it is important that we begin by preparing what is necessary to do when we reach the end of the road, when the "financing" becomes the big achievement that will be saddled at us, and the sentence by the Constitutional Court will be the last humiliation, disguised as justice à-la-Spain. When in the next months we arrive at the end of the misfire of the "boxing of Catalonia in Spain", our politicians will not know what to do, will not know how to come out from this cul-de-sac. However, knowing them as we do, they will avoid their responsibility and will pass the hot potato to the people. Some might say that there will be necessary a new referendum for the "Estatut", some others say that will be necessary to bring the people to the streets. Everything but act like proper political leaders when face complex situations.
In consequence, the only solution is relieve, substitute, our political leadership. Because of their cowardice, incompetence or bribery, or perhaps all together, and everyone apply adjectives as they please to our political leaders. And, who liked to defend them with excuses such as "they couldn't do otherwise", "they did what they were able to do", please revise their political candidness. Nobody be so naive to think that they can be pressed, expect a change in direction, changes in the strategy for the country from those who have been keeping quiet in front of the looting of our taxes -the so-called "fiscal deficit"-, have tolerated the systematic marginalization of our language in many ambits, who have been incapable to teach our History at our schools, who have allowed our pensioners to receive misery after a whole life of work, who have allowed our infrastructures to rot... The only way to readdress our Nation is to dismiss our political representatives from their comfortable thrones, and somebody menaced their statuses and privileges.
Some may think I exaggerate. It all depends if the situation of our country is seen with the eyes of the slaves that have ruled and rule us -those who have a lot to lose with our independence, and therefore try to hide the truth from Catalan people- or with the eyes of free men and women, who believe in the possibilities of our country, and in the potential of our people being simply Catalan. Which, translated to who suffer from identity schizophrenia means without "Spanish" or "French", without having to belong to Spain or France, only to the Catalan State.
Josep Castany
General Director Catalunya Acció
December 27th, 2008
Slaves incapable to break free from their owner always look for the most comfortable way of living together. So that our political leaders have carried out absurd and negative politics for Catalonia such as "collaborate to the Spanish governability" while all the Spanish governments have looted from our taxes; "doing pedagogy in Spain" while Spain insults us on our faces; "build a federal Spain, or multinational Spain" while Spain has it clear that there is only one Spain which is already built from centuries ago.
Nobody surprises that we found ourselves where we are now, it is very simple to identify the cause -a wrong strategy for the country- and its responsibles -our political leaders-. Unless we correct the strategy and direct our direction towards the constitution of a Catalan State, we continue to walk this rocky road until we become a sad and poor Spanish region. It is simply what happens to the colonies that do not free themselves on time. There is no alternative, do not believe those wizards of the politics that have lead this country making us believe that the understanding with Spain is possible.
Because of this, it is important that we begin by preparing what is necessary to do when we reach the end of the road, when the "financing" becomes the big achievement that will be saddled at us, and the sentence by the Constitutional Court will be the last humiliation, disguised as justice à-la-Spain. When in the next months we arrive at the end of the misfire of the "boxing of Catalonia in Spain", our politicians will not know what to do, will not know how to come out from this cul-de-sac. However, knowing them as we do, they will avoid their responsibility and will pass the hot potato to the people. Some might say that there will be necessary a new referendum for the "Estatut", some others say that will be necessary to bring the people to the streets. Everything but act like proper political leaders when face complex situations.
In consequence, the only solution is relieve, substitute, our political leadership. Because of their cowardice, incompetence or bribery, or perhaps all together, and everyone apply adjectives as they please to our political leaders. And, who liked to defend them with excuses such as "they couldn't do otherwise", "they did what they were able to do", please revise their political candidness. Nobody be so naive to think that they can be pressed, expect a change in direction, changes in the strategy for the country from those who have been keeping quiet in front of the looting of our taxes -the so-called "fiscal deficit"-, have tolerated the systematic marginalization of our language in many ambits, who have been incapable to teach our History at our schools, who have allowed our pensioners to receive misery after a whole life of work, who have allowed our infrastructures to rot... The only way to readdress our Nation is to dismiss our political representatives from their comfortable thrones, and somebody menaced their statuses and privileges.
Some may think I exaggerate. It all depends if the situation of our country is seen with the eyes of the slaves that have ruled and rule us -those who have a lot to lose with our independence, and therefore try to hide the truth from Catalan people- or with the eyes of free men and women, who believe in the possibilities of our country, and in the potential of our people being simply Catalan. Which, translated to who suffer from identity schizophrenia means without "Spanish" or "French", without having to belong to Spain or France, only to the Catalan State.
Josep Castany
General Director Catalunya Acció
December 27th, 2008
September 09, 2010
Serbia drops UN challenge to Kosovo independence and its relevance to Catalonia
English newspaper "The Guardian" informs us that Serbia has agreed to make last minute U-turn in its wish to reverse, question or invalidate Kosovo's independence at the United Nations. The debate had to take place at the UN general assembly on September 9th but Serbians dropped the challenge only hours before the hearing.
Serbia, then, bowed to pressure from European and US diplomacy, clearing the way for a settlement between Belgrade and Kosovo leadership and the Serbians joining the EU, which would have been compromised should Serbia had kept the challenge to Kosovo's independence. Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, pressed Serbian President Boris Tadic to agree on a "last-chance" formula acceptable to the rest of Europe. Joe Biden, US vice-president, reinforced the message.
Serbia, then, bowed to pressure from European and US diplomacy, clearing the way for a settlement between Belgrade and Kosovo leadership and the Serbians joining the EU, which would have been compromised should Serbia had kept the challenge to Kosovo's independence. Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, pressed Serbian President Boris Tadic to agree on a "last-chance" formula acceptable to the rest of Europe. Joe Biden, US vice-president, reinforced the message.
August 13, 2010
Why is it never the time?
"Preludi de la independència" -"Prelude of independence"- was published eighteen years ago, by Carles M. Espinalt, and its first sentence is "There are a lot of people who would like that nobody could hear not even the first note [of the Prelude]". The author is referring to those who strive to stop that support for independence for our nation concretes clearly and effectively. In other words, those who always want that the axis of our politics span around our role within this failed entity called Spain. But, how do they act to make their obsession effective? In the first chapter we may also read "Often, cowards, to not to stand out, are the most interested to silence the voices of the courageous". Who is the author talking about? Who are those pusillanimous that mask their own fears with excuses?
When Carles M. Espinalt wrote these words, it was the time when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania declared their independence, which made Catalans see that nothing was untouchable in matter of borders. If a few little nations became independent from the mighty second world super-power, what obstructed Catalonia from doing the same with regards to Spain? Thought a lot of Catalans. Those were also the days of the majorities of Jordi Pujol, who, foreseeing a spread of the Baltic independence feeling around Catalonia, ran to manifest "Catalonia is like Lithuania, but Spain is not the USSR". Another way to abort a prelude of the independence of Catalonia, and at the same time, wash the face of who he robs, swears at and wants to make you disappear.
Years go by, faces and governments change, but the contraries to the prelude continue to make their way. It seems like they pass the relay to each other, generation to generation. Now, Catalans have not needed to look at Northern Europe to see how feasible is to create a Catalan State in a relatively short period of time. We only had to follow the example of the brave town of Arenys de Munt to believe in our own capabilities and sing the loudest prelude of independence of Catalonia. We are listening to it with all the force given by hundreds of thousands of voices who, strongly, have filled the ballot boxes of the polls celebrated throughout the Principality. "Finally!", "We are touching it!", "Nothing can stop us now!" are the most common expressions heard in these times. And this crescendo finally exploded in the biggest demonstration supporting independence never dreamt on July 10th. In front of everything, how could these Catalan voices, full of courage and hope be suffocated?
Pujol's political offsprings have tried again, by utilizing the same false paternalist used by their father when he wanted to take out our heads the example of the ex-Soviet Republics. Now, the phrase has been "we are not ripe enough to hold a plebiscite for independence", and they have have aborted any remote possibility to convoke a referendum for the independence of Catalonia. The same people who a few days earlier had admitted a people's initiative (IP) to organize a referendum, based on the Consultation Act, and now they retreated. What has happened? This proposition was initiated as a simple speculation to win the votes of those willing to break with Spain. The problem, though, is that after the demonstration on July 10th in Barcelona, these votes would get the majority and would mean the compromise to start a secession process. And this is a big problem for who does not see Catalonia beyond a sad condition of "Autonomous Community" within Spain and never believes that the time for a Catalan State has arrived. Spanish stability is always priority and the freedom of Catalonia is left eternally in a second or third plane. When elections are close, they put on the mask of Macià to hide their real face of Cambó. They are always who want the abortion, at all price, of the prelude of the independence of Catalonia.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció, promoter Força Catalunya
Published at "El Punt", July 22nd 2010
When Carles M. Espinalt wrote these words, it was the time when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania declared their independence, which made Catalans see that nothing was untouchable in matter of borders. If a few little nations became independent from the mighty second world super-power, what obstructed Catalonia from doing the same with regards to Spain? Thought a lot of Catalans. Those were also the days of the majorities of Jordi Pujol, who, foreseeing a spread of the Baltic independence feeling around Catalonia, ran to manifest "Catalonia is like Lithuania, but Spain is not the USSR". Another way to abort a prelude of the independence of Catalonia, and at the same time, wash the face of who he robs, swears at and wants to make you disappear.
Years go by, faces and governments change, but the contraries to the prelude continue to make their way. It seems like they pass the relay to each other, generation to generation. Now, Catalans have not needed to look at Northern Europe to see how feasible is to create a Catalan State in a relatively short period of time. We only had to follow the example of the brave town of Arenys de Munt to believe in our own capabilities and sing the loudest prelude of independence of Catalonia. We are listening to it with all the force given by hundreds of thousands of voices who, strongly, have filled the ballot boxes of the polls celebrated throughout the Principality. "Finally!", "We are touching it!", "Nothing can stop us now!" are the most common expressions heard in these times. And this crescendo finally exploded in the biggest demonstration supporting independence never dreamt on July 10th. In front of everything, how could these Catalan voices, full of courage and hope be suffocated?
Pujol's political offsprings have tried again, by utilizing the same false paternalist used by their father when he wanted to take out our heads the example of the ex-Soviet Republics. Now, the phrase has been "we are not ripe enough to hold a plebiscite for independence", and they have have aborted any remote possibility to convoke a referendum for the independence of Catalonia. The same people who a few days earlier had admitted a people's initiative (IP) to organize a referendum, based on the Consultation Act, and now they retreated. What has happened? This proposition was initiated as a simple speculation to win the votes of those willing to break with Spain. The problem, though, is that after the demonstration on July 10th in Barcelona, these votes would get the majority and would mean the compromise to start a secession process. And this is a big problem for who does not see Catalonia beyond a sad condition of "Autonomous Community" within Spain and never believes that the time for a Catalan State has arrived. Spanish stability is always priority and the freedom of Catalonia is left eternally in a second or third plane. When elections are close, they put on the mask of Macià to hide their real face of Cambó. They are always who want the abortion, at all price, of the prelude of the independence of Catalonia.
Santiago Espot
CEO Catalunya Acció, promoter Força Catalunya
Published at "El Punt", July 22nd 2010
August 12, 2010
What kind of people Spain must be that they have to wave the flag of torture?
Spain, for much that boasts, is nothing more than a people of torturers, arrogant and cowards. How else anybody, to look brave, before taking on the opposition -the bull in this case-, would torture and wound it in the most disgraceful way?
What kind of nation, what kind of people, we have for forceful associates?
We must break, politically and nationally, with them with the utmost emergency, before they do not take us all as "bulls".
Salvador Molins
(Member BIC and Catalunya Acció)
President Montilla declared, once he voted for bullfighting, that his vote was for freedom -we must understand that for those who take pleasure contemplating that brutal performance, those who are pleased at looking at dying wounded, teased and disadvantaged bulls-. It is clear that the second part of the sentence was omitted, but in reality, stabbing, torturing and kill a disadvantaged animal is something not for libertarians but savage and bad persons. The bad work of a bad people!
July 31, 2010
Comment on the article "The land of ban", by the Economist
As we are "the land of ban", we should ban every article that is written with some ill-informed journalist, talking about things that does not seem to know, from a place where everything that comes from their peripheries sound like an attack to the sacred unity of the (ex-)empire.
It seems very difficult to understand how we, Catalans, can continue to be annexed to such totalitarian way of thinking. Do you tolerate diversity? Democracy? Freedom of choice? If not, then, we, Catalans, better leave this and become an independent Nation. Yes, I said Nation. The same word that has been forbidden (hmmm, were we -Catalonia- the land of ban?) from an already meager Charter, something that was written by our representatives elected democratically, and then, was voted by our people -Catalans, of course-, and later endorsed by the Spanish Parliament -another elected organ- but what several judges -not voted in any election, cut and interpreted following Franco's frameworks. The same judges who have inserted up to fourteen times "Spain in the only sovereign nation in Spain". Fourteen times! Do they think Catalans are idiots?
To this, I answer that Catalans are not idiots, and that we shall become independent in the near future. Due to, and among other reasons, this type of reactions from the Spanish cavern. As follows, ability to not tolerate diversity, ability to plunder some €60M/day from Catalonia, lack in investments for infrastructure, magnificent and extraordinary waiting lists in the Health Service, lack of investment in Education, discrimination against Catalonia's own language in our own land. And I leave a few more.
Perhaps we are not "the land of ban" more than others try to ban us from existing. At the end of the day, our bans, like the ban on burkhas is made to protect women from that barbaric tradition of having to cover their faces "in the name of God", and the ban on bullfighting to extend the protection of animals to bulls too.
One recommendation to your journalist, do not come to Catalonia, perhaps you will be next one to be banned from entering. Or maybe we shall perform one last "corrida" using him as the object of fun, parody and ridiculous. Drugging him, sawing his horns and severing his neck ligaments prior to being teased, hooked, stabbed and finally dragged along the ring, while his killer waves his ears and perhaps his tail to the public. Would you prefer the "corrida" be banned then?
Jordi Margalef
Catalunya Acció UK
The full article can be seen by clicking on the following link http://www.economist.com/node/16706413?story_id=16706413
It seems very difficult to understand how we, Catalans, can continue to be annexed to such totalitarian way of thinking. Do you tolerate diversity? Democracy? Freedom of choice? If not, then, we, Catalans, better leave this and become an independent Nation. Yes, I said Nation. The same word that has been forbidden (hmmm, were we -Catalonia- the land of ban?) from an already meager Charter, something that was written by our representatives elected democratically, and then, was voted by our people -Catalans, of course-, and later endorsed by the Spanish Parliament -another elected organ- but what several judges -not voted in any election, cut and interpreted following Franco's frameworks. The same judges who have inserted up to fourteen times "Spain in the only sovereign nation in Spain". Fourteen times! Do they think Catalans are idiots?
To this, I answer that Catalans are not idiots, and that we shall become independent in the near future. Due to, and among other reasons, this type of reactions from the Spanish cavern. As follows, ability to not tolerate diversity, ability to plunder some €60M/day from Catalonia, lack in investments for infrastructure, magnificent and extraordinary waiting lists in the Health Service, lack of investment in Education, discrimination against Catalonia's own language in our own land. And I leave a few more.
Perhaps we are not "the land of ban" more than others try to ban us from existing. At the end of the day, our bans, like the ban on burkhas is made to protect women from that barbaric tradition of having to cover their faces "in the name of God", and the ban on bullfighting to extend the protection of animals to bulls too.
One recommendation to your journalist, do not come to Catalonia, perhaps you will be next one to be banned from entering. Or maybe we shall perform one last "corrida" using him as the object of fun, parody and ridiculous. Drugging him, sawing his horns and severing his neck ligaments prior to being teased, hooked, stabbed and finally dragged along the ring, while his killer waves his ears and perhaps his tail to the public. Would you prefer the "corrida" be banned then?
Jordi Margalef
Catalunya Acció UK
The full article can be seen by clicking on the following link http://www.economist.com/node/16706413?story_id=16706413
July 28, 2010
Beyond bullfighting, the Spanish crumble
Today, the Catalan Parliament has decided to ban bullfighting in Catalonia, due to begin in 2012. One less alien tradition to Catalonia. Bullfighting, only typical from Third World countries rather than civilized and democratic Europe, will not longer exist in our country. Catalonia, its people represented in the Parliament, has decided to embrace the advanced thinking present within the most developed Nations in Europe. Catalonia has suppressed a barbaric Middle Age hobby, disguised as ancestral culture but in fact, used as an instrument of unification by Spain. Who had not heard that the Spanish portrait is based on "sun, paella, flamenco and bullfighting"?
From today, the tourist who seeks all these in Catalonia will have to look for them in other places beyond the borders of Catalonia. We did not share some of these identity symbols with Spain in the first place, they were imposed to us with the Spanish colonization, and we shall get rid of them, as we shall get rid of Spain and become an independent Nation in the near future.
We know there will be outrage among the Spanish ranks. It is understandable, because Spain is only holding together by symbols such as bullfighting and football. Fallen one, the rest will follow, and with this alien symbolism, that artificial country itself. The big Spanish crumble is close to happen for good, being Catalunya Acció one of the main actors on the stage.
Take a look at the Spanish newspapers, their headlines are pointing more at the identity threat, and the possibility that Catalonia becomes independent, than the defence of the bullfighting itself. What more excluding, racist and degrading than condemning a whole Nation to have to hold, and enjoy, performances like men teasing, stabbing, torturing and finally killing a drugged, horn-sawed and stunned animal?
We are proud of having outlawed bullfighting. And will be even more when our duty to become independent from Spain and France will be fulfilled.
Jordi Margalef Turull
Catalunya Acció UK
July 27, 2010
Evaluation of the initiative "Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència"
Following the call to create "Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència", last July 20th, by Mr Joan Laporta (ex-chairman FC Barcelona, promoter of Democràcia Catalana), Mr Alfons López Tena (jurist and member of Convergència Democràtica Catalana) and by MP Uriel Bertran (MP for Esquerra),
- Catalunya Acció evaluates positively the appearance of this initiative, which is in line with the strategy and proposals that Catalunya Acció has been developing since its formation in 2004. In the sense of backing the patriotic union of Catalans in a great electoral coalition as the only way of obtaining a categorical victory of the supporters for independence in the contest of the elections at the Parliament of the Principality of Catalonia.
- In front of the disorientation provoked by the appearance of new initiatives among so many supporters for independence, such as Reagrupament, Solidaritat Catalana per la Independència and the Conferència Nacional del Sobiranisme driven by eminent Moisès Broggi, Joan Blanch, Oriol Domènech, Agustí Bassols, Heribert Barrera and Antoni M Badia, we would like to confirm that is not a symptom of dispersion and disorientation in the supporters for independence, but necessary elements of clarification and consolidation for this political stage, previous to the construction of the "Great Coalition for Independence" that collected all this claim for national freedom.
- We would request that Mr Joan Carretero and Mr Joan Laporta, as determining elements for this coalition to be real, that for the next days, give their utmost to resolve their differences and reach an agreement, because due to their actual political weight, they have in their hands the power to create this Great Coalition among the different political proposals in favour of independence, projecting unity and victory to the hundreds of thousands of voters who are claiming such Coalition.
- The actual international context, having the International Court of Justice endorsed the legality of the unilateral declarations of independence, opens a historical opportunity for the Catalan Nation and, so, forces even more the nationalist leaders to be to be at the level of the circumstances and not defraud the longing of independence of the Catalan people.
- Catalunya Acció maintains the compromise acquired since its foundation, promoting and collaborating in the construction of this Great Coalition for Independence, as the key factor in the strategy to achieve independence. Because of this compromise, Catalunya Acció will remain vigilant and alert that opportunistic, last minute climbers or infiltrates, always present in every political activity do not impair or manipulate this coalition project.Catalunya Acció
July 22, 2010
The International Court of Justice endorses processes of independence and affirms the that independence of Kosovo does not violate international law
From http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10730573
We trust that we, all Catalans, know how to be at the level of the opportunity that is offering us the world of constituting ourselves in state.
Josep Castany
Counsellor Catalunya Acció and General Secretary Força Catalunya
We trust that we, all Catalans, know how to be at the level of the opportunity that is offering us the world of constituting ourselves in state.
Josep Castany
Counsellor Catalunya Acció and General Secretary Força Catalunya
July 18, 2010
UK Parliament MP presents motion recognising Catalonia as a nation. Laura Pous, CNA
The proposal expresses MP's concerns that Catalan democratic will has been over-ruled by the Spanish Constitutional Court and says that Catalonia should have the right to decide its own future.
London (CNA).- An MP has presented a motion in the Westminster Parliament in support for Catalonia and the Catalan Statute of Autonomy approved in the 2006 referendum. “Catalonia is a nation, that is how Catalans see it, and that is certainly how I see it from London”, said Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams, who presented the motion in Parliament. “The statement expresses our support and solidarity with the people in Catalonia”, said Williams, who noted the 'remarkable' demonstration of more than one million people that took place in Catalonia on July 10th.
The statement promoted by the Welsh MPs recognises 'the right' of Catalan residents 'to democratically determine their own future'. In fact, the protest on July 10th had the motto ‘We are a nation. We decide'. The text presented in the UK Parliament states that the protest in Barcelona was 'in favour of proper powers for Catalonia' and welcomes 'the continuing debate over the constitution of Catalonia'.
The motion expresses concern that 'future constitutional developments in Catalonia which take place with the support of the governments and people of Catalonia may face judicial review by organisations which are not neutral or independent'. The 2006 Statute of Catalonia was passed by the Catalan and Spanish Parliaments and voted on in referendum, but the Spanish Constitutional Court decided to cut 14 of its articles and reinterpret 23 others. The ruling reduced the scope of devolved powers in Catalonia and stated that Catalonia cannot be legally recognised as a nation because Spain is the state’s 'only nation'.
Williams argued that the Constitutional Court in Madrid has not been 'independent' in the ruling about the Statute of Catalonia. “We support decisions to be made in Catalonia and not to be subject to revision by people from outside”, he said. “It is important for us to make our views known as Welsh nationalists, and to show our solidarity with the people in Catalonia, and for the people of Catalonia to know where we stand”. Some Scottish and Irish MPs are also expected to support the motion, and Williams hopes that English MPs will also be sensible to the situation in Catalonia.
The motion expresses concern that 'future constitutional developments in Catalonia which take place with the support of the governments and people of Catalonia may face judicial review by organisations which are not neutral or independent'. The 2006 Statute of Catalonia was passed by the Catalan and Spanish Parliaments and voted on in referendum, but the Spanish Constitutional Court decided to cut 14 of its articles and reinterpret 23 others. The ruling reduced the scope of devolved powers in Catalonia and stated that Catalonia cannot be legally recognised as a nation because Spain is the state’s 'only nation'.
Williams argued that the Constitutional Court in Madrid has not been 'independent' in the ruling about the Statute of Catalonia. “We support decisions to be made in Catalonia and not to be subject to revision by people from outside”, he said. “It is important for us to make our views known as Welsh nationalists, and to show our solidarity with the people in Catalonia, and for the people of Catalonia to know where we stand”. Some Scottish and Irish MPs are also expected to support the motion, and Williams hopes that English MPs will also be sensible to the situation in Catalonia.
July 12, 2010
Towards the final victory
Spaniards, Celebrate today the title, because tomorrow Catalonia will celebrate its independence. Football is all what you have left of your "Empire".
As Catalonia is walking unstoppably towards freedom, stronger than ever, Spain can only offer misery, corruption, crisis, unemployment, bullfighting, flamenco and football.
Enjoy it while you can.
Jordi Margalef Turull
Member of Catalunya Acció
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