Autonomy for Catalonia

More news on the burgeoning movements for autonomy or independence among unique cultural regions.  Voters in Catalonia approved a referendum that gives considerable autonomy to their region of northeastern Spain.

The provisions, which give the Catalan government more tax powers and greater authority over judicial and immigration matters, will go into effect within days. New laws also make Catalan the “preferential” language over Castilian Spanish, give local officials more control of ports, trains and highways, and return a higher percentage of federal funds to Catalonia, one of Spain’s richest regions.

It is expected that more of Spain’s 17 regions will seek similar autonomy in the future. Supporters believe that decentralization is important and that distinct cultures should gain greater local control over their affairs.  Detractors, on the other hand, fear the eventual demise of the Spanish state.  In this scenario, some believe that the various regions would choose independence, similar to what has happened in the former Yugoslavia.

For more perspective on these movements for autonomy and independence around the world, you can check out my previous posts on the subject, here and here.

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