The crisis in Catalonia has gone from simmer to steady boil. Spain's government threatens to take emergency steps to end a bid by secessionists in the country's wealthiest province to break away. The Catalan leader behind the separatist drive isn't backing down and warns that regional lawmakers are poised to formally endorse secession. Without a cool-down, a European Union nation of 46 million people could be on a path toward civil conflict. How did the home to sunny Barcelona and the beaches of Costa Brava get into this mess?
Breaking away from Spanish rule has been on the minds of Catalans for 300 years. Catalans have their own language and culture, and many don't see themselves as Spanish. Today, the region enjoys a degree of autonomy. But Catalans complain that, as Spain's richest region, they pay to Madrid more in taxes than they get back. On Oct. 1, Catalans overwhelmingly voted in favor of secession.
Was it really overwhelming? Turnout was just 42 percent.
Instead of talking, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont have been exchanging threats in a perilous game of brinkmanship. What's at stake? The heart of the Catalan region is Barcelona, the vibrant Mediterranean tourist oasis that's vital to Spain's economic health and national brand. Take away Catalonia, and Spain loses 20 percent of its economy.
The Catalans must understand that secession will lead to chaos and, potentially, violence. Rajoy has Spain's constitution on his side, and if the Catalans don't back down, he'll have to enforce the law. However, there remains room for talk. Madrid can still offer Catalans greater autonomy. It's a compromise that avoids conflict, and one that Catalans would be wise to accept.
Editorial on 10/24/2017