[0762]

The article suggests that the latest polls show just over 50% would back succession from Spain not 65-70% as you state, but like in Scotland it would be interesting to see if they actually followed this poll question by putting the X in the independence box or not.  I still don't want Scotland to leave the UK, but I do think they have more of a case than Catalonia seems to have as regards history and certainly as regards being a separate country.  Their economy, while about the same size as Scotland's though is nowhere near as strong as Scotland's is and that would be a major concern I am sure.  I can just imagine the dismay in the corridors of the EU of the hassle this would cause right in the middle of the Brexit negotiations, this would become another headache for them to figure out exactly what will happen if this goes ahead as once again it will be uncharted territory!!  Current EU rules could also mean that Spain would be able to veto Catalonia from entering the EU as well as it requires a 100% acceptance from current members.  Definitely going to be interesting to see what happens.

I'm in Barcelona at the moment and attended a massive pro indy/anti Spanish gov tactics rally in the city centre at Placa de Catalunya. Great to see that passion among 100s of 1000s of peaceful protesting Catalans to gain their self-determination. Sadly witnessed spats with negative civil guards/Spanish gov police trying to confiscate ballot boxes while urban police (Catalans) not getting involved but overall very peaceful with peace roses being thrown at these 'bruisers'. What a pleasure to witness this historical moment and just wish I'd brought a Scottish saltire to hoist in solidarity with the Catalonian cause.