IT is difficult to sum up, in a few words, the history of a nation that became stateless in the 18th century and that has been systematically repressed by a state that, since then, has been trying to de-nationalise it.
I propose to do so, using the biographical data of Catalan presidents, from the restoration of an autonomous government in 1931 to the present day.
Of the last nine presidents, five have spent long periods in exile, two have been imprisoned for their democratic ideas, eight have been subjected to administrative repression and one – after being handed over by the Gestapo to Franco – was shot in occupied France (regarding which the state has always resisted apologising or annulling a judicial process plagued with irregularities). Only one, José Montilla (2006-2010), who acted in accordance with Madrid’s instructions, has remained unscathed ... for the moment.
The treatment of these presidents represents the systematic repression of 7.5 million Catalans, simply for being Catalan. Spain has not changed so much since the time of the Duke of Alba.
Xavier Diez Rodríguez
Girona
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here