CATALANS have taken a “momentous step” but the government – or Generalitat – must look to the future, according to one Scot caught up in the euphoria surrounding yesterday’s declaration of independence.
Mike Thom, who is originally from Edinburgh, lives in Catalonia’s capital Barcelona with his wife and three children.
He told The National: “Very exciting times to be living through and it’s incredible to be here. I think Catalans accept they have taken a momentous step forward and somewhat into the unknown. The work starts now. All of us are awaiting the reaction from Madrid and there is, of course, some worry.
“I’ve just been to school to pick the kids up and the general mood amongst independentistas is euphoric and excited. I did not detect fear.
“The school is a good reflection of society here as it is balanced on both sides. I think that what is required now is a concrete plan from the Generalitat on the way forward.”
SNP MP Douglas Chapman, vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Catalonia, said negotiation was key.
“Personally, I am delighted for the many friends I have in Catalonia and they have taken a huge step forward in setting their country on the path to independence today,” he said. “We are all waiting to see what the reaction is from Madrid and we are all hoping for a peaceful and respectful settlement and negotiation between the two countries.
“If Article 155 is invoked in a violent way or with a stance that fails to recognise the need for talks and discussion, then I believe Catalans will react in the most peaceable way possible.
“They will want to show the world that they are a thoughtful, peace-loving people who are not open to intimidation, just in the same way they reacted during their referendum day on October 1 in the face of violence from the national police.”
Monica Pons, a Catalan native studying at Glasgow University, said her initial reaction to the news was joy, happiness, hope and fear, along with some tears.
She said: “Independence day? It’s what we were awaiting for a long, long time – not the last year, or weeks, or as a product of the political situation, a thing that the Spanish government wants to sell, but as a popular decision and hope for millions of Catalans.
“Two big decisions are going on today – on one hand abolish the autonomy of Catalonia and start an era of suppression never seen since fascism. And in the other hand the declaration of independence – that was the last option for our government.
“I want to see today as a new beginning, an opportunity to create a better place to be proud of coming from... We have been told that what Catalans are doing and fighting for is illegal. How is that possible? Democracy defends popular sovereignty.
“I would love to see tomorrow as a new and fresh start in a truly democratic country free of fascism. I know it’s not the reality we are going to live. We have all seen the images of the 1-O [referendum day] and sadly it’s what we are going to live in Catalonia again, but we are not going to fail, we are not afraid. What we have seen today in Catalonia is an image of the huge amount of strength that Catalan people have. People decide and government obey, that is how communities should work and now I’m proud of being able to say that this is how my country works, welcome to the new European republic.”
Christopher McEleny, a member of the advisory European Union Committee of the Regions, said the EU had to act.
“We must support the right of the Catalan people to self-determination, the right to democratically set their own future,” he said.
“It is clear that the irresponsible actions of the Spanish government have left the Catalan government with no other option. Direct rule of Catalonia must not happen, it is completely against the spirit of European Regions having a bigger say in decisions that impact on them.
“The European Union must stand up and be counted by helping facilitate a peaceful democratic outcome that respects the wishes of the people that live in Catalonia.”
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