Catalan separatists must back down

Catalonia’s separatist leaders are signalling that they may declare independence. This would be an irresponsible action devoid of legal validity and political legitimacy. It would encounter a frosty response from Spain’s European and US allies.

The paramount need is for Spain’s central government and Catalonia’s regional leadership to open contacts aimed at calming the tension that flared after Sunday’s contentious, disorderly and violence-stained vote on independence.

Ideally, these contacts would evolve into a dialogue including opposition parties in both Madrid and Barcelona, the Catalonian capital. The ultimate purpose should be to update and, in certain areas such as regional finances, to expand the autonomy Catalonia already enjoys under Spain’s 1978 constitution.

Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia’s president, was wrong to assert on Sunday night that the vote had earned his region the right to declare itself an independent state. It did nothing of the sort. Some nine in 10 voters who cast ballots are thought to have supported independence. However, according to the Catalan government’s own figures, which must be treated with caution because of the chaos surrounding the vote, the turnout was about 42%. In other words, more than half the electorate did not vote.

Those who stayed at home were, for the most part, the less vocal elements of Catalonian society that opposed the referendum all along as a reckless secessionist gambit. Given the low turnout and the vote’s indisputable illegality under Spain’s constitution, there is no justification for a declaration of independence.

Even if a formal mediator’s role is inappropriate, the EU can urge both sides to display moderation, common sense and respect for democratic norms and the rule of law. These principles are the only basis for a sensible, long-term compromise. London, October 3.