Canada’s lessons for Spain

EDITORIAL: WHAT OTHERS THINK

Many Canadians will find it painful to witness the turmoil sweeping Spain as separatists in the region of Catalonia defiantly push for independence.

Those of us who lived through the decades when Quebec separatists threatened to tear this country apart — and, in one of two provincial referendums, nearly succeeded — will understand the fears and anxieties gripping Spain after voters in Catalonia opted for independence in a controversial Oct. 1 referendum.

But many Canadians will also wonder if the Spanish government is mishandling the situation, responding to Catalonia with a closed fist when extending an open hand would work best for all.

If Canada could offer any advice based on its own experience, it would be that Spain’s central government should show restraint, respect and a willingness to negotiate change that is acceptable to the majority on both sides. That could preserve Spanish unity. Sadly, it seems as if the central government is fanning the flames of Catalan independence rather than extinguishing them.

Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy cracked down on Catalonia after the regional government declared independence.

Using the country’s constitution, Rajoy imposed direct rule on the region of 7.5 million people, fired its government and seized control of its civil service, police and finances.

On Oct. 30, Spanish authorities said they would ask the courts to prosecute 14 members of the ousted Catalan administration for rebellion.

But before those charges could be laid, Catalonia’s deposed president, Carles Puigdemont, and several members of his former cabinet fled to Belgium.

If anything, the actions of the Spanish government have deepened the crisis.

Yes, a majority of voters in Catalonia chose independence in the Oct. 1 referendum.

But the legality of the decision is doubtful. And considering that only 43 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot, the moral argument for respecting the referendum results and granting independence to Catalonia is weak.

Over a recent weekend, hundreds of thousands of people in Catalonia took to the streets to reject independence and profess loyalty to Spain.

It’s clear that Catalonia is split over the matter of independence, just as Quebec was always divided over what its future should be.

In contrast to Spain’s government, however, Canada’s federal government always accepted the democratic right of Quebecers to choose their own destiny.

Of course, the federal government made changes to accommodate Quebec and recognize its distinct place within Confederation.

Ottawa also passed the Clarity Act, which set the legal bar higher for separatists to win any future referendums, which have never come.

Flexibility and compromise where possible; a willingness to show backbone and defend a united country: these were the weapons of reason and strength that arguably saved Canada.

The Spanish government would do well to follow Canada’s example and consider the successful strategies our federal government eventually adopted.

If Spain’s government doesn’t and continues its hard line, it might alienate the majority in Catalonia and convince them to demand independence while shoving one of Europe’s leading nations to the brink of the abyss.