Catalonia declares independence

Repression by Dr. Meddy

EU's indifference toward Catalunya by Harm Bengen both cartoons come from the Cartoon Movement's special collection Catalonian independence

Backed into a corner, twisted by the arm, Catalonians still did the impossible (in Spain's eyes) of declaring independence. This is not a surprise to no one. Catalonian independence was a long time in the making. It is not just the Catalan government that wanted independence, the people themselves have been demanding it too both in Barcelona and in smaller towns such as Girona, the villages across Catalunya, etc. The Paisos Catalans (Catalonian countries) are also watching what is happening in Barcelona. So are other European separatists. Madrid's worst fears of come true. Now the hard part is being recognized by the UN, NATO, other international organizations, that is if Catalonia wants to join them, issues of citizenship, who gets Catalonian passport, visas, study abroad programs, international trade as an independent country, etc.

The other separatist movements scattered around Spain (Basque, Andulacia, etc) are also watching eagerly as they prepare to go to the next steps in their regional struggles ranging from autonomy to full on independence. Keep in mind, the European Union is not happy about Catalunya declaring independence neither is the United States. Both are usually quick to support independence declarations in South Sudan, Slovakia, the former Yugoslavia, in Latin America and with the Taiwan independistas against China's wishes and fears. Yet when comes to Catalunya its way more cautious and emphasizes unity over division. The Kurdish independence movement comes to mind.