Catalonia Revisited

[Squiggle]

If you believe in Democracy, then devolving powers to the people-- through referendums, or and something similar to the swiss cantonal assemblies, is of obvious necessity. I dont think a coherent and honest argument can be made for the ossified and large "representative" democracies we have today. In that regard, let Catalonia be its own country, Galicia, Navarre, and whoever else wants it. Split France, Germany, Italy, it doesnt really matter. Devolve the Government along the cultural or ethnic lines the people themselves want, devolve the powers of Government to the people. If you believe in Democracy and integration and peace and all that jazz, theres no reason to object to Catalonia seceding [even if you find it peculiar they'd want to]. Keeping people in bondage due to nationalistic sentiments is, frankly, the act of a barbarian and uncivilized populace.

[Ludicus]

I sincerely wish Pedro Sanchez the best of luck. Spain's Socialists, far-left Podemos agree to form govt
I'm not completely sure,but I tend to think that-maybe-ERC will support Sanchez. Joan Tardà: “Lo importante es investir a Pedro Sánchez para ...

[mishkin]

Ludicus, a little contradictory your love for Pedro Sanchez, the president of the government who refused to speak with the indepententists, the person responsible for the implementation of article 155 in Catalonia, the man who sent riot police to beat Catalan protesters, and your support for catalonian independentism. The only reason he could now soften his position is because he now needs the left to govern (Unidas Podemos, the only left party in spain, the only ones who always opted for dialogue with Catalan independentism)

[Aexodus]

How are Podemos the only leftist party in spain?

[mishkin]

whats your point? they are not socialists? there are other socialist polítical groups?

[Aexodus]

I’d have thought the socialist party was left wing? Sanchez’s party.

[mishkin]

if they wanted to adapt their name to reality they should be called the Superficially Progressive but Actually Centrist Party (P.S.P.P.R.C.). It would be bad for the bussiness I guess, so, dont expect any change in the name soon.

[Ludicus]

Fresh news,

EU top court rules Catalan separatist Junqueras was MEP ...

The European Union's top court has ruled that Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras was covered by immunity as an MEP when he was jailed by the Spanish Supreme Court in October, prompting calls for his immediate release.
Following the advice released last month by Advocate General, Maciej Szpunar, the European Court of Justice said that Junqueras became an MEP from the moment the European election results were announced at the end of May and that he thus "enjoys the immunity guaranteed by Article 9 of the Protocol".
The ECJ also emphasized that Junqueras also enjoys "the immunity as regards travel" which applies "while they are travelling to the place of meeting of the European Parliament, including to that first sitting".
The pro-independence Esquerra Republicana party, which Junqueras leads, has welcomed the ruling, calling for his sentencing by Spanish courts to be nullified and for his "immediate release".

Spain rocked by rulings that renew questions over Catalonia

At a plenary session in Strasbourg, France, lawmakers applauded politely as EU parliament President David Sassoli read out the ECJ decision, describing it as a “very important ruling” for the makeup of the 751-seat assembly.

What happens now?

--
Edit, 21-12.

More news,

EU lower court must reexamine Puigdemont and Comin's bid ...

Catalan separatist leaders Carles Puigdemont and Antoni Comin received temporary accreditation as members of the European Parliament on Friday, a day after the European Union’s highest court issued a ruling with favorable implications for them. Previously unable to collect their credentials due to fears of being arrested by Spain, the two politicians, who live in self-imposed exile in Belgium, should get full accreditation in January at the earliest, a chamber’s spokeswoman said.

The decision stems from Thursday’s ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) saying that imprisoned separatist leader Oriol Junqueras was entitled to immunity as an MEP after being elected in May.

[Ludicus]

Ten days have passed....

Attorney General asks for Oriol Junqueras to be freed to ...

Spain’s Attorney General office has issued its recommendation to the Supreme Court that jailed Catalan leader Oriol Junqueras should be allowed out of prison in order to collect his credentials as an MEP.
This follows the ruling on 19 December by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg that the former Catalan vice-president Junqueras had immunity after being elected as an MEP on 26 May – and that he should have been free to take up his seat following the election.

That was fast.From "criminal" to European deputy.Things are changing.