1.5 millions turn out for Catalan independence rally

**hellheaven1987** · September 11, 2012, 04:07 PM

That 1.5 millions was came from the estimation of Spanish police by the way.

Some 1.5 million people have been taking part in Catalonia's annual independence rally in Barcelona, according to police.

Tens of thousands of people poured into the city waving the region's independence flag and brandishing the colours red and yellow.

This year's march aimed to be the biggest ever - and a protest against the Spanish government's tax laws.

Catalonia wants Madrid to review its tax agreement and provide a bailout.

The size of the turnout for the rally, which is held annually on 11 September to mark the Siege of Barcelona 300 years ago, forced organisers to change its route.

Alfred Bosch, an MP from the Republican left of Catalonia, told the BBC: "All the flags I can see are the pro-independence flags of Catalonia with the lonely star right in the middle of the triangle.

"And everybody is wearing these flags. I have never seen so many pro-independence flags in my all life."

Protester Teresa Cabanes told Reuters: "This is a blow for the government. People like me came from everywhere. I don't think they were expecting something as big."

The huge volume of people overwhelmed the mobile phone network, which shut down for hours as a result, reports say.

Source

An interesting development of course, I wonder would the economic failing of Madrid government results an increasing support of local nationalism in Spain, finally cause the break down of Kingdom of Spain?

**Col. Tartleton** · September 11, 2012, 04:16 PM

European Collapse!

W007

**magpie** · September 11, 2012, 05:14 PM

Hmm. I don,t think the elite will be too worried as long as the cops and army hold the line.
They may get a little nervous if the uniforms vanish from the streets and the citizens start setting up guillotines.
Then you will see a mass rush to the private jets with heavy suitcases in tow.

**~~removeduser_487563287433~~** · September 11, 2012, 05:32 PM

That's almost the entire population of Barcelona. Personally, I think the Catalan police are a bit too excited.

Anyway, they're fools to the themselves:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19395266

**mishkin** · September 12, 2012, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by Ferrets54

That's almost the entire population of Barcelona. Personally, I think the Catalan police are a bit too excited.

Spanish media talk about 600.000 - one million.

I wish they speak of solidarity (and Catalonia is not the rich brother) rather than independence.
@Principe Alessandro: Catalonia is part of Spain because of a marriage hundred years ago? of course, in this same way have been formed the majority of the European states.

**Almogaver** · September 12, 2012, 05:02 AM

We have made the first step. The process has started.

**Jom** · September 12, 2012, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by Almogaver

We have made the first step. The process has started.

Actually, I'd imagine that the first step was made back in 1978 when powers were rapidly devolved to the Catalans.

**Almogaver** · September 12, 2012, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jom

Actually, I'd imagine that the first step was made back in 1978 when powers were rapidly devolved to the Catalans.

No, back then independence was not in the agenda. The demand was for autonomy within Spain. Today we move towards independence. I know it must be difficult to understand from abroad for some of you.

**Derpy Hooves** · September 11, 2012, 05:37 PM

While I do sympathize with the Catalonians, I am completely against separatism. As many of you might know, I hope for world unification. More countries only means more conflicts.

**boofhead** · September 11, 2012, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by ☩Lord Inquisitor Derpy Hooves☩

As many of you might know, I hope for world unification. More countries only means more conflicts.

Ridiculous. If that ever happens I'm resigning from life, I'd rather be dead.

**YukonTrooper** · September 11, 2012, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by ☩Lord Inquisitor Derpy Hooves☩

While I do sympathize with the Catalonians, I am completely against separatism. As many of you might know, I hope for world unification. More countries only means more conflicts.

I like the idea of unification. Having said that, every grand centralization experiment that's called for the "greater good of humanity" has generally turned into an unmitigated human catastrophe.

**Derpy Hooves** · September 11, 2012, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by YukonTrooper

I like the idea of unification. Having said that, every grand centralization experiment that's called for the "greater good of humanity" has generally turned into an unmitigated human catastrophe.

Yet that was before the Age of Information, though when such a thing happens I do pray that it has federalism.

**Liamgamer55** · September 11, 2012, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by ☩Lord Inquisitor Derpy Hooves☩

While I do sympathize with the Catalonians, I am completely against separatism. As many of you might know, I hope for world unification. More countries only means more conflicts.

I'm for world unification but also for separatism.

I think it'd be much better that if a group of people are unhappy with their current status in a country they should separate themselves and then unify with whoever they want in a confederation.

At least when it comes to the western world anyway, Catalonia seperating from Spain isn't really comparable to breaking up Syria along ethnic lines or something like that.

I'm especially sympathetic to the Catalonian's considering recent history of the region.

**Principe Alessandro** · September 11, 2012, 10:05 PM

Good luck for the Catalans. They are united with Castille only for s silly medieval dynastic marriage.

**SLN445** · September 12, 2012, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by ☩Lord Inquisitor Derpy Hooves☩

While I do sympathize with the Catalonians, I am completely against separatism. As many of you might know, I hope for world unification. More countries only means more conflicts.

Agreed, we should be working towards one people one world, not seperating into smaller and smaller nations...

Though running my own personal City state sounds fun

**windsupernova** · September 11, 2012, 05:38 PM

Hmmm, but I like Spain as a whole :|

And yeah I do think that its Madrids Economic failing the one who is increasing the cries of independence.

**~~removeduser_487563287433~~** · September 11, 2012, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by windsupernova

Hmmm, but I like Spain as a whole :|

And yeah I do think that its Madrids Economic failing the one who is increasing the cries of independence.

The local governments have failed more - they're the ones who have absurd deficits. Madrid actually ran surplusses I believe.

**YukonTrooper** · September 11, 2012, 05:43 PM

I blame it on those Francophone trolls giving people ideas.

**boofhead** · September 11, 2012, 10:11 PM

Sometimes I think separatists should be given independence, if only to teach them a lesson. Give them complete sovereignty. Close the borders and cut everything off, require visas to cross, trade agreements to trade. Cut off any resource delivery, like water and power if it comes from the mother country. Do it in one day. Give them a quick taste of total independence, and see how long before they cry out for help.

This should be done to Scotland.