Separatists on the rise
Catalonia's government is pushing for separation from Spain, the Scots will vote on independence in a referendum and in Flanders the nationalists are gaining ground. Do separatists pose a threat to European unity?
The Scotsman - United Kingdom | Wednesday, 24. April 2013
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said on Tuesday that Scotland should remain in Great Britain if it wants to retain the pound as its currency, finding the idea of a monetary union being formed with an independent Scotland unlikely. The politically neutral daily The Scotsman warns against a situation like that of Ireland, which gave up its one-to-one parity with the pound sterling in 1979: » more
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said on Tuesday that Scotland should remain in Great Britain if it wants to retain the pound as its currency, finding the idea of a monetary union being formed with an independent Scotland unlikely. The politically neutral daily The Scotsman warns against a situation like that of Ireland, which gave up its one-to-one parity with the pound sterling in 1979: "The SNP [Scottish National Party] is now fighting under the policy of taking Scotland to the same status that the Republic of Ireland decided to escape from 30 years ago. The Irish decided that, as a separate state with a very different economy from the UK, it no longer made sense to be tied to sterling. So, first it created its own currency - remember the punt? - and then, with a great sigh of relief, it joined the euro when it came along. So, there is nothing new about what the Nationalists are advocating. Ireland has been there and found it such an unsatisfactory arrangement that it chose to get rid of it. Why on earth should Scotland opt to go down the same path in the full knowledge of where it led?"
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De Standaard - Belgium | Monday, 18. March 2013
The Flemish nationalist N-VA party plans to turn Belgium into a confederation of states. But Flanders wouldn't be doing itself any favours with such a configuration, journalist Mia Doornaert warns in the liberal daily De Standaard: » more
The Flemish nationalist N-VA party plans to turn Belgium into a confederation of states. But Flanders wouldn't be doing itself any favours with such a configuration, journalist Mia Doornaert warns in the liberal daily De Standaard: "It's a historical fact that a confederation is an unstable type of state, neither one thing nor the other. A confederation that doesn't become a federation collapses. ... Those who want a Belgian confederation are choosing the division of the country. Moreover: if Flanders were to give up Brussels to accelerate the process of division it would be shooting itself in the foot. Because then it would leave the name Belgium to the state Wallonia-Brussels, which would see its diplomatic value considerably enhanced as a result: co-founder of the UN, Nato, the EU, all major organisations. Then Flanders would have to conduct laborious negotiations with the EU for becoming a member. And then it could take up its place as the 200th or so member of the UN - a truly wonderful prospect."
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ABC - Spain | Wednesday, 27. February 2013
The Spanish Congress of Deputies voted on several proposals put forward by Catalan separatists aimed at legalising a planned referendum on Catalan independence on Tuesday. The proposals were rejected but the Socialists from Catalonia voted in their favour, thus breaking the rule on obedience to the parent party. It's high time the party realised that regionalism is a trap for it, the centralist daily ABC jeers: » more
The Spanish Congress of Deputies voted on several proposals put forward by Catalan separatists aimed at legalising a planned referendum on Catalan independence on Tuesday. The proposals were rejected but the Socialists from Catalonia voted in their favour, thus breaking the rule on obedience to the parent party. It's high time the party realised that regionalism is a trap for it, the centralist daily ABC jeers: "The Socialists still haven't grasped that every time they give in to the nationalism of the regionalists they lose their identity, land themselves in difficulties and are punished by the voters. Yet this should be obvious to them. Because of all the ideologies, nationalism is the one that runs most counter to socialist thinking since it is based on accentuating differences and contradicts the principle of equality the Left claims to defend."
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More from the press review on the subject » Separatism, » Nationalism, » Spain
Blog Circumnavigatio - France | Wednesday, 23. January 2013
The Catalan regional parliament passed a symbolic declaration of sovereignty on Wednesday. The move further paves the way for Catalan independence. These power games with Barcelona come at a very inopportune moment for Madrid, Jean-Michel Demetz writes in his blog Circumnavigatio: » more
The Catalan regional parliament passed a symbolic declaration of sovereignty on Wednesday. The move further paves the way for Catalan independence. These power games with Barcelona come at a very inopportune moment for Madrid, Jean-Michel Demetz writes in his blog Circumnavigatio: "The central government is crushed under the weight of its mission to restructure public finances, stimulate economic growth and put an end to political corruption. Saddled with all this, how is it supposed to deal calmly with the issue of Catalan independence? Naturally the Catalan parliamentarians have called for 'dialogue with the Spanish state' and promise a democratic debate that respects Europe's values. But in practice? At the same time, however, the IMF has just affirmed that 2013 will pan out even worse than 2012 for the Spanish, who are already struggling with a recession. Under such circumstances, can Spain afford the luxury of an institutional crisis and a war of secession?"
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El Mundo - Spain | Thursday, 20. December 2012
In Catalonia, the conservative regionalist CiU and the left-wing separatist ERC parties on Wednesday presented a timetable for Catalonia's path towards independence. It includes a referendum in 2014. The Spanish central government under Mariano Rajoy must join forces with the opposition to stop the separatists' advance, the conservative daily El Mundo demands: » more
In Catalonia, the conservative regionalist CiU and the left-wing separatist ERC parties on Wednesday presented a timetable for Catalonia's path towards independence. It includes a referendum in 2014. The Spanish central government under Mariano Rajoy must join forces with the opposition to stop the separatists' advance, the conservative daily El Mundo demands: "Public opinion expects a convincing answer from the two major parties to the challenge posed by Arturo Mas and his new far-left partner, the ERC. … The prime minister should summon the leader of the opposition and together they should compose a joint declaration by the two parties. They need to let the general public know that the People's Party and the Socialists reject the referendum pact between the CiU and the ERC and that, in keeping with their promises and vows, they will comply with the constitution and ensure that it is complied with."
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All available articles from » Luis María Anson
La Vanguardia - Spain | Thursday, 13. December 2012
All the parties in Catalonia's regional parliament - with the exception of the ruling party in Madrid, the People's Party - spoke out against the central government's planned education reform on Wednesday. The reform foresees the use of Catalan as a language of instruction being reduced to a minimum. Education Minister José Ignacio Wert would be well advised to completely rewrite his reform proposal, the Catalan daily La Vanguardia writes: » more
All the parties in Catalonia's regional parliament - with the exception of the ruling party in Madrid, the People's Party - spoke out against the central government's planned education reform on Wednesday. The reform foresees the use of Catalan as a language of instruction being reduced to a minimum. Education Minister José Ignacio Wert would be well advised to completely rewrite his reform proposal, the Catalan daily La Vanguardia writes: "If politicians weren't so doggedly determined to box through their mistakes against all opposition, Minister Wert would retract his proposed reform and draw up a new text based on dialogue: dialogue with the major opposition party and the main parliamentary factions, dialogue with the autonomous regions, above all those with their own language, dialogue with as many representatives of the education sector as possible, and dialogue within his own party. Because although his party colleagues applaud him politely they are worried about the minister's tone."
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The Spectator - United Kingdom | Wednesday, 12. December 2012
In an interview on Monday, EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated that if it decides in favour of independence, Scotland would lose its membership in the EU. The conservative magazine The Spectator puts matters into perspective: » more
In an interview on Monday, EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated that if it decides in favour of independence, Scotland would lose its membership in the EU. The conservative magazine The Spectator puts matters into perspective: "Scotland would, he says, not be an automatic member of the club at all. Intuitively this is obvious just as Scotland would not be an automatic member of the United Nations. It would have to apply. Once it applied its application would most probably be accepted. There are few plausible grounds upon which to reject it. With regard to Brussels, however, the truth is that no-one quite knows precisely what would happen. It is most unlikely that Scotland would fail to meet the criteria for EU membership. It is also the case that Scotland would be in little position to dictate terms. Small countries do not have as much clout as they used to think they do."
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All available articles from » Alex Massie
El Huffington Post - Spain | Monday, 26. November 2012
The Catalans elected a new regional parliament on Sunday. The Catalan president Alberto Mas brought forward the election in the hope of achieving an absolute majority for his goal of secession from Spain. Although his party remains the strongest force in parliament (with 30.7 percent), it lost votes compared to 2010, while the radical separatists became the second-largest force. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy should now aim for reconciliation, the left-liberal online paper Huffington Post advises: » more
The Catalans elected a new regional parliament on Sunday. The Catalan president Alberto Mas brought forward the election in the hope of achieving an absolute majority for his goal of secession from Spain. Although his party remains the strongest force in parliament (with 30.7 percent), it lost votes compared to 2010, while the radical separatists became the second-largest force. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy should now aim for reconciliation, the left-liberal online paper Huffington Post advises: "Rajoy should not savour Mas's defeat too long. Because the first and second-strongest political forces in Catalonia want to hold a referendum asking the Catalans whether they want their own state. ... Rajoy's strategy of leaving them to sort out their problems on their own could prove extremely damaging. ... The prime minister now has the unique opportunity to prove his flexibility and statesmanship. He could win the weakened Mas as an ally instead of casting him as a radical enemy, as [Rajoy's] People's Party has done in recent weeks."
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All available articles from » Montserrat Domínguez
Lidové noviny - Czech Republic | Monday, 26. November 2012
In the regional election in Catalonia the pro-independence parties, the separatist Catalan Republican Left, known as the ERC, and the national-liberal ruling party the CiU have won two-thirds of the vote in total. Opponents of the separatists argue among other things that an independent Catalonia would not automatically remain a member of the EU. But that argument is unconvincing, the conservative daily Lidové noviny writes: » more
In the regional election in Catalonia the pro-independence parties, the separatist Catalan Republican Left, known as the ERC, and the national-liberal ruling party the CiU have won two-thirds of the vote in total. Opponents of the separatists argue among other things that an independent Catalonia would not automatically remain a member of the EU. But that argument is unconvincing, the conservative daily Lidové noviny writes: "It would be difficult to find a reason for denying this highly civilised corner of Europe EU membership while at the same time seriously considering allowing Turkey to join, a country with regions where for example polygamy still survives. ... No EU membership for Catalonia just because Spain doesn't want it? Spain will have to receive subsidies for some time to come. It is hardly in a position to forbid anything or exercise its power of veto. We know from our Czech-Slovak experience that statesmen who are unwilling to adapt to border changes are powerless when a society intuitively strives for independence."
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El Huffington Post - Spain | Friday, 9. November 2012
The election campaign for the regional elections in Catalonia on November 25 was officially launched on Thursday. The main subject under discussion is the region's potential secession from Spain. In his blog for the Spanish Huffington Post, Miguel-Anxo Murado argues that secession would not automatically lead to Catalonia being expelled from the EU: » more
The election campaign for the regional elections in Catalonia on November 25 was officially launched on Thursday. The main subject under discussion is the region's potential secession from Spain. In his blog for the Spanish Huffington Post, Miguel-Anxo Murado argues that secession would not automatically lead to Catalonia being expelled from the EU: "Naturally the EU doesn't want Catalonia to gain independence, and will always advise against it. If it does come about, the EU will of course adjust to the new situation. ... But under no circumstances would it 'automatically' expel Catalonia, as some claim. The EU doesn't do anything 'automatically'. Exclusion would only be possible if Spain recognised the region's independence, because until it does Catalonia remains part of Spain as far as Brussels is concerned. However if Spain recognised Catalonia's independence the secession would be legal, which would change many things. It is also baseless to claim that Catalonia would be excluded from the Eurozone. Any country is free to chose its own currency (Monaco uses the euro as well). It's true that Catalonia would not be represented in the ECB, but up to now it hasn't been either."
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La Vanguardia - Spain | Wednesday, 7. November 2012
Regional elections will take place in the Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia on November 25. But if the separatist parties obtain a majority there will be opposition from Europe, the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia stresses: » more
Regional elections will take place in the Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia on November 25. But if the separatist parties obtain a majority there will be opposition from Europe, the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia stresses: "Only three weeks ago claims that an independent Catalonia would automatically be excluded from the EU were regarded as biased, prejudiced and centralist. ... But there are also practical arguments against pushing for Catalonia's independence. Who stands to gain from it? Certainly not those states with nationalist minorities (Italy, France, the UK, Romania, Hungary...) because Catalonia's secession could trigger further demands for independence. And even less so the federalists who want greater powers for the EU. If they, quite rightly, point out that the European space is already too fragmented with 27 states, Europe's institutions would no doubt become even more ungovernable if diverse regions gained independence."
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Público - Portugal | Monday, 5. November 2012
Early regional elections will be held in Catalonia on November 25. The Spanish region wants independence but according to the liberal daily Público it is unlikely to get it: » more
Early regional elections will be held in Catalonia on November 25. The Spanish region wants independence but according to the liberal daily Público it is unlikely to get it: "The relationship between Catalonia and the Spanish state will never return to what it was in the past. It is still too early to believe that independence is the only possible future scenario. … The division in Catalan society, the protests of the entrepreneurs and above all the certainty that Catalonia would be expelled from the EU in the event of unilateral secession make the proposals for a federal state the more likely solution. The danger of unilateral independence nonetheless remains. The important thing now is to initiate a process negotiated by all sides in which all Spanish citizens - including the Catalans - are represented."
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Vilniaus diena - Lithuania | Wednesday, 24. October 2012
The separatist trends in today's Europe are a source of concern for Karolis Urbonas of Vilnius' Social Dynamics International institute. In the daily newspaper Vilniaus diena he categorises the demands of regions like Catalonia, Flanders or northern Italy: » more
The separatist trends in today's Europe are a source of concern for Karolis Urbonas of Vilnius' Social Dynamics International institute. In the daily newspaper Vilniaus diena he categorises the demands of regions like Catalonia, Flanders or northern Italy: "We are used to seeing today's states as sovereign countries formed on a uniform national and territorial basis. But in recent years the richer regions of large states have increasingly voiced their separatist sentiments and elected politically radical parties. ... Social and national confidence is at a particularly low level. Europe is not just incapable of uniting at an interstate level; its sovereign states are also beginning to fall apart. And although this may seem like a new problem to us, the empires of the past always failed when the central power failed to take into account the interests of its richest regions. In the end they realised that they were stronger than the rest of the empire and separated from it."
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All available articles from » Karolis Urbonas
NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Tuesday, 23. October 2012
The separatist movements in Spain, Belgium and the UK have different causes but are all to a certain extent the product of European integration, the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad contends: » more
The separatist movements in Spain, Belgium and the UK have different causes but are all to a certain extent the product of European integration, the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad contends: "The regions want to free themselves from central government control, above all when they believe this will boost their prosperity. ... Take Belgium, for example. There the Walloons were the industrial driving force 150 years ago, but in the age of the service economy they have fallen behind Flanders. Such tensions don't just exist in other countries: Only 40 years ago The Hague was seriously worried about the rise of Fré Meis and other communists in Groningen. Militant agitation was an old phenomenon in the north. But the discovery of natural gas gave regionalism a more realist character. … The difference is that regionalism, which can lead to separatism, can only thrive under the supranational umbrella of Europe. The risks of splitting up the unified state are smaller than they were back then. This is the paradox of today's separatism: It is often directed against the central state. But it gains its strength from the creation of supranational power in Europe."
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The Herald - United Kingdom | Thursday, 18. October 2012
Britain's aggressive austerity policy may prove to be reason enough for the Scottish people to choose independence, the left-liberal Scottish daily The Herald surmises: » more
Britain's aggressive austerity policy may prove to be reason enough for the Scottish people to choose independence, the left-liberal Scottish daily The Herald surmises: "The chances of the economy picking up are remote. Any hopes that Mr Cameron and George Osborne had for a recovery by 2014 are long gone. What can't be predicted are interpretations of that reality. We can guess, though, what Mr Salmond will say, month after month: this Tory-led United Kingdom does not serve the interests of Scotland. Mr Osborne and his cuts - the bulk of which have yet to be enacted - will be the First Minister's best weapon. Whether he can repeat himself for two years is another matter."
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De Standaard - Belgium | Friday, 5. October 2012
Bart de Wever's nationalist party is tipped to win the local elections in Flanders on October 14, according to the polls. He himself puts his popularity down to tensions between northern and southern Belgium, but that is too simplistic, the liberal daily De Standaard writes: » more
Bart de Wever's nationalist party is tipped to win the local elections in Flanders on October 14, according to the polls. He himself puts his popularity down to tensions between northern and southern Belgium, but that is too simplistic, the liberal daily De Standaard writes: "In Flanders considerably more people are worried about their own safety and that of their families than have actually experienced precarious circumstances. The worsening economic situation and the rising prices are a further source of worry. The Flemmish are aware of their priviledged situation, but at the same time they see clearly how much they have to lose. They may want change, but they also fear it. Because the changes we are facing do not look like they will be improvements. Of course there is a certain frustration over the paralysis of federal politics in recent years. But the true explanation for the change in power relations is fear of the unknown."
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All available articles from » Bart Sturtewagen
El Punt - Spain | Friday, 28. September 2012
A large majority in the Catalan parliament voted in favour of a resolution on Thursday that would allow a referendum on the independence of the region after the early elections on November 25. The move clears the way for the independence of the autonomous region, the Catalonian paper El Punt comments joyfully: » more
A large majority in the Catalan parliament voted in favour of a resolution on Thursday that would allow a referendum on the independence of the region after the early elections on November 25. The move clears the way for the independence of the autonomous region, the Catalonian paper El Punt comments joyfully: "Catalonia has more than an absolute parliamentary majority in favour of giving the Catalonian nation the right to freely determine its future. This is no longer some distant dream: it is already a reality. This will no doubt be amply demonstrated - and perhaps even enlarged upon - on November 25. While the Spanish state is clinging unbendingly to the immutability of the constitution, Catalonia strides ahead, cautiously and without overdoing it, but at a steady, unflinching pace. Certainly, yesterday's decision only has symbolic value, but it has an enormous political significance. The path is now laid out in front of us."
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La Vanguardia - Spain | Wednesday, 26. September 2012
The president of the Catalan regional government, Artur Mas, announced early elections for November 25 on Tuesday. A risky step because it is aimed at sounding whether the politician has the regional parliament's support in his fight for Catalonia's independence, the Catalan daily La Vanguardia concludes: » more
The president of the Catalan regional government, Artur Mas, announced early elections for November 25 on Tuesday. A risky step because it is aimed at sounding whether the politician has the regional parliament's support in his fight for Catalonia's independence, the Catalan daily La Vanguardia concludes: "The path Mas has chosen is not an easy one and he needs a very stable majority to stick to his course. The polls don't necessarily guarantee him that, and he knows it. He also realises that he may fail in his endeavour. Because his goal is not just a little more autonomy. He wants the complete realisation of the demonstration's motto: 'Catalonia, a new state in Europe'. This explains why all the parties within the regional parliament were up in arms yesterday. For in this new political situation no one can be sure how many votes this historic election will secure him."
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Wiener Zeitung - Austria | Tuesday, 25. September 2012
In the ongoing negotiations on the EU budget for 2014-2020, the UK and Sweden are insisting on being allowed to retain their current reduced level of contributions. But British Prime Minister David Cameron's blockade is very risky from the point of view of economic policy, the state-run liberal Wiener Zeitung argues: » more
In the ongoing negotiations on the EU budget for 2014-2020, the UK and Sweden are insisting on being allowed to retain their current reduced level of contributions. But British Prime Minister David Cameron's blockade is very risky from the point of view of economic policy, the state-run liberal Wiener Zeitung argues: "To keep internal party resistance as minimal as possible the British government is going into the opposition in Brussels, a dangerous game because it - and the British economy even more so - knows this is not a good idea. ... The UK has a problem with the development of the EU. To end this crisis stronger cohesion within Europe is essential. The British know this but they don't want to join in. On the other hand the British economic data is far from positive - an exit would lower investments in the island. On top of that Scotland, which is struggling for independence, has held out the prospect of its joining the Eurozone - which doesn't make things any easier for the government in London. Only the British stand to lose."
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All available articles from » Reinhard Göweil
El País - Spain | Sunday, 23. September 2012
After the mass demonstration for the independence of Catalonia on September 11, Spain is discussing the consequences of the autonomous region's cessation from the Spanish centralist state. The left-liberal daily El País urgently warns against such a step: » more
After the mass demonstration for the independence of Catalonia on September 11, Spain is discussing the consequences of the autonomous region's cessation from the Spanish centralist state. The left-liberal daily El País urgently warns against such a step: "The nation states are forced to give up more and more of their competences and are anything but independent today. Increasingly they act like mediators for external powers or institutions which are mandated to preside over the shared sovereignty. ... If Catalonia were to unilaterally separate from Spain it would automatically no longer be part of the united Europe. Lengthy and difficult discussions would start over its admission, which some states - including Spain - could boycott with their veto. In the end that would lead to the gradual decline of both the Catalonian and the Spanish state. ... And independence would plunge the entire peninsula into poverty."
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All available articles from » Juan Luis Cebrián
El Periódico de Catalunya - Spain | Thursday, 20. September 2012
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will meet the Catalan regional prime minister of Catalonia Artur Mas for talks this Thursday after 1.5 million Catalonians marched for the independence of their region last week. Rajoy would do well not to adopt a confrontational stance, the Catalan daily El Periódico de Catalunya warns: » more
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will meet the Catalan regional prime minister of Catalonia Artur Mas for talks this Thursday after 1.5 million Catalonians marched for the independence of their region last week. Rajoy would do well not to adopt a confrontational stance, the Catalan daily El Periódico de Catalunya warns: "After last week's historical mass demonstration on Catalan National Day the protagonists, the antagonists and even the supposedly independent arbitrator [King Juan Carlos of Spain] have allowed the battle of words to escalate in a way that doesn't bode well. No one is trying to avoid a full-on collision between Catalonia and Spain. … Rajoy would be well advised to avoid any harsh words. Instead he should stretch out his hand to Mas at today's meeting to help him avoid an institutional conflict with unforeseeable consequences. This would earn him the regional prime minister's gratitude. And that of the great majority of Catalonians."
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All available articles from » Enric Hernàndez
El País - Spain | Wednesday, 12. September 2012
Hundreds of thousands of Catalans gathered in Barcelona on their regional holiday on Tuesday to demonstrate for the independence of their region, and against the government's austerity measures. The left-liberal daily El País calls for a serious debate on federalism: » more
Hundreds of thousands of Catalans gathered in Barcelona on their regional holiday on Tuesday to demonstrate for the independence of their region, and against the government's austerity measures. The left-liberal daily El País calls for a serious debate on federalism: "Spanish democracy is now mature enough to face this challenge. However this must be done on the basis of transparency and clear rules, and take into account viable alternatives to the independence proposal. After all, there are many Catalonians who weren't at the demonstration and who don't identify with it. ... A serious, constructive debate about an acceptable solution for the relationship between Catalonia and Spain is possible and necessary. So far the system of autonomous communities has brought Spain unprecedented wealth, but nothing is irrevocable and many favour a federalist model. In democracy, any proposal can be discussed, including independence, but those who defend the idea must explain very clearly what they intend to do with it."
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More from the press review on the subject » Social movements, » Federalism, » Spain
Polityka Online - Poland | Monday, 10. September 2012
Spain's state television channel TVE broadcast a bullfight live on Wednesday for the first time in six years. But that doesn't mean bullfights are once more on the rise in Spain, the left-liberal news portal Polityka Online writes, arguing that the issue is being misused by the regions to demonstrate their independence: » more
Spain's state television channel TVE broadcast a bullfight live on Wednesday for the first time in six years. But that doesn't mean bullfights are once more on the rise in Spain, the left-liberal news portal Polityka Online writes, arguing that the issue is being misused by the regions to demonstrate their independence: "Unfortunately politicians are also getting involved in the dispute between animal rights activists and the protectors of tradition. One problem is that Madrid shows no interested in regulating bullfights, leaving it up to the regional governments to find a solution to this question. Catalonia, for example, passed a total ban on bullfights last year. Just twelve months ago the famous matadors entered Las Arenas in Barcelona for the last time. Granted, Catalonia's real goal was probably less to protect animals than to demonstrate its difference from the rest of Spain and consolidate its autonomy."
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All available articles from » Agnieszka Mazurczyk
De Morgen - Belgium | Tuesday, 10. July 2012
Wednesday is a national holiday in Flanders. Political scientist Marc Hooghe writes in the left-liberal daily De Morgen that the politicians forget Flemish culture in their speeches on Flemish identity: » more
Wednesday is a national holiday in Flanders. Political scientist Marc Hooghe writes in the left-liberal daily De Morgen that the politicians forget Flemish culture in their speeches on Flemish identity: "If Flemish politicians really do take Flemish identity seriously they should come up with more than just boring speeches and tough demands. They should also take culture policy seriously and endow it with the necessary resources. … It's easy to make negative remarks: there are always plenty of excuses to complain about the Francophones, the people in Brussels or the foreigners. But is this the Flemish identity we represent and with which we want to play a leading role in tomorrow's Europe? Or do we have enough confidence in the appeal and power of our culture to make a valuable contribution to this united Europe? The Flemish identity exists, but it is far too valuable to place it in the hands of politicians who are driven mainly by their own interests and party politics."
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Daily Mirror - United Kingdom | Wednesday, 11. January 2012
The Scottish regional government announced on Tuesday that it will hold a vote on independence in autumn 2014, countering the resolution by the British government on Monday. But the dispute is needless, the left-leaning tabloid the Daily Mirror writes, because independence would only impoverish Scotland: » more
The Scottish regional government announced on Tuesday that it will hold a vote on independence in autumn 2014, countering the resolution by the British government on Monday. But the dispute is needless, the left-leaning tabloid the Daily Mirror writes, because independence would only impoverish Scotland: "The global financial crisis exposed the fundamental weakness of small countries in a world where bigger equals stronger. Nationalist leader Alex Salmond's so-called arc of prosperity isn't so alluring when his country would have sunk alongside Iceland. David Cameron, a product of the English Home Counties and a red rag to many Scots, must tread carefully but Mr Salmond will not get any campaign all his own way. The nationalist case will crumble when the Nats are forced to come clean on living standards, jobs, interest rates and a currency. Together we are stronger in the UK - and most Scots recognise that too."
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Il Sole 24 Ore - Italy | Tuesday, 10. January 2012
In the dispute over Scotland's independence British Prime Minister David Cameron has gone on the offensive. His cabined decided on Monday to hold a binding "yes or no" referendum within the next 18 months. This is a clever move by Cameron, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore writes admiringly: » more
In the dispute over Scotland's independence British Prime Minister David Cameron has gone on the offensive. His cabined decided on Monday to hold a binding "yes or no" referendum within the next 18 months. This is a clever move by Cameron, the business paper Il Sole 24 Ore writes admiringly: "The vote is aimed at taking the wind out of the sails of the Scottish nationalists. The Scottish National Party (SNP) wanted to hold a non-binding referendum in 2014 to coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Scots' victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn and revive the Scots' sense of patriotism. ... In reality, however, the great majority of Scots would prefer to remain in the bosom of the Union and under the Windsors' Crown. The SNP knows this and wanted to use the referendum simply to increase the already considerable advantages of Scotland's special status. Cameron is now taking a gamble to expose this bluff - in the hope that it really is a bluff."
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Savon Sanomat - Finland | Monday, 26. September 2011
The last bullfight in Catalonia took place in Barcelona on Sunday. Following the example of the Canary islands, which did away with bullfights 20 years ago, the regional parliament resolved last year to ban bullfights starting 2012. Now the rest of Spain must follow suit, the liberal daily Savon Sanomat writes: » more
The last bullfight in Catalonia took place in Barcelona on Sunday. Following the example of the Canary islands, which did away with bullfights 20 years ago, the regional parliament resolved last year to ban bullfights starting 2012. Now the rest of Spain must follow suit, the liberal daily Savon Sanomat writes: "The decisive factor here is that bullfights are pure cruelty to animals. Before the bull is killed it is antagonised and tortured. Animal rights activists have also organised a campaign to ban bullfights in the rest of Spain. Almost 200,000 people signed a petition against the fights in Catalonia. But in part the ban there can also be put down to the fact that the province wants to set itself apart from the rest of Spain. In Andalusia, for example, the tradition is very strong. But even though breeding the animals generates thousands of jobs, the rest of Spain should nonetheless follow in the footsteps of Catalonia and the Canary Islands."
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De Standaard - Belgium | Tuesday, 20. September 2011
In the coalition talks between Belgium's eight parties the Flemish liberal party is seeking to exclude the Walloon green party. That has less to do with content than with democratic principles, writes the Flemish daily De Standaard: » more
In the coalition talks between Belgium's eight parties the Flemish liberal party is seeking to exclude the Walloon green party. That has less to do with content than with democratic principles, writes the Flemish daily De Standaard: "Otherwise there will be too little opposition on the Francophone side, and that is democratically unhealthy. However there is absolutely no reason to exclude one of the four Flemish parties. If that happens there will no longer be a majority for the government on the Flemish side. Years ago wise statesmen warned that this could create an explosive situation. A government that rules against a majority of Flemish representatives will quickly be branded anti-Flemish. ... What may seem logical from a democratic perspective to Francophone Belgium is not desirable at all from a democratic perspective for Flanders. That's the way things work in a country made up of two countries."
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Le Soir - Belgium | Friday, 8. July 2011
The Flemish nationalists under Bart De Wever on Thursday rejected a further offer to form a government in crisis-stricken Belgium from the leader of the Francophone Socialists, Elio di Rupo. Now the Flemish have achieved their goal, the daily Le Soir believes: » more
The Flemish nationalists under Bart De Wever on Thursday rejected a further offer to form a government in crisis-stricken Belgium from the leader of the Francophone Socialists, Elio di Rupo. Now the Flemish have achieved their goal, the daily Le Soir believes: "Belgium no longer makes any sense. Belgium has no value any more. Belgium can no longer be governed, developed, advanced. It's a dead project that must be brought to an end to make room for a clear vision, a Flemish vision. You don't understand? Well now, since 2 pm it has been clear. De Wever said it, to the citizens of Belgium and the whole world, including the rating agencies. We already knew that this was what he believed, this was what he wanted. The only problem is that he still isn't playing with an open hand but instead hides behind his systematic propagandising against Di Rupo's offer, in order to pave the way for a notorious independent Flanders."
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The Observer - United Kingdom | Monday, 16. May 2011
After the resounding victory of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in local elections two Sundays ago, party leader Alex Salmond has been rallying support for Scotland's secession from the UK. The actor and writer David Mitchell, son of Scottish and Welsh parents, fears in the left-liberal Sunday paper The Observer for his united fatherland: » more
After the resounding victory of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in local elections two Sundays ago, party leader Alex Salmond has been rallying support for Scotland's secession from the UK. The actor and writer David Mitchell, son of Scottish and Welsh parents, fears in the left-liberal Sunday paper The Observer for his united fatherland: "I'm slightly embarrassed to admit to this British patriotism. The Scottish equivalent feels more politically correct, focused as it is on cultural distinctiveness and national self-determination. No Scottish state has existed for hundreds of years so, unlike Britain, its image is untainted by actions, by realpolitik and compromise, by the slave trade and colonialism. But a desire for Scottish independence is no more rational than a desire to preserve the union, so either both desires should be ignored or both taken into account. ... If Scotland ever goes it alone ... the British will have lost their country."
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NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Tuesday, 10. May 2011
The British have rejected the new Alternative Vote electoral system in a referendum. The new system was intended to shift the majority vote system in the direction of a proportional representation system, which would have helped smaller parties. This is a setback for the Liberals who initiated the referendum, writes the daily NRC Handelsblad: » more
The British have rejected the new Alternative Vote electoral system in a referendum. The new system was intended to shift the majority vote system in the direction of a proportional representation system, which would have helped smaller parties. This is a setback for the Liberals who initiated the referendum, writes the daily NRC Handelsblad: "The voters obviously don't want more influence. Or they don't care about the electoral system at present - in view of the low voter turnout a not improbable scenario. But those British citizens who did vote also felt the need to express their disappointment at the politics of a government that is almost one year old, and particularly at the Liberal-Democrats participating in that government. For in England's local elections and the parliamentary elections in Scotland they also suffered historic defeats. This is a threat to the stability of the Cameron government. The Conservatives and the LibDems already came up against each other face to face in the referendum. They will now be asking themselves what advantage they have from being in government now that their greatest wish has been rejected by the voters."
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De Morgen - Belgium | Tuesday, 15. February 2011
A critical report by the Walloon television station RTBF on the funeral of the Flemish nationalist politician Marie-Rose Morel has sparked a wave of indignation in Flanders. In its report the station recalled Morel's racist views. Johanne Montay, head of RTBF's political desk, rebuffs criticism in the daily De Morgen: » more
A critical report by the Walloon television station RTBF on the funeral of the Flemish nationalist politician Marie-Rose Morel has sparked a wave of indignation in Flanders. In its report the station recalled Morel's racist views. Johanne Montay, head of RTBF's political desk, rebuffs criticism in the daily De Morgen: "The young woman's courage and suffering has divided our country along emotional lines. The North expresses pity and empathy while the South displays a certain lack of understanding for how her suffering has raised her to the level of a star. ... The affair says much about the situation of our media. Our weakness isn't a lack of respect, but a lack of understanding. If the media fail to critically assess the impact they have in their own community, we may be faced with a journalism focused solely on forming identity. ... The problem isn't that our media are divided into camps, but that we all lack a critical view of our own community. A county where criticism of feelings of identity is no longer tolerated is really in danger."
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To Ethnos - Greece | Tuesday, 4. January 2011
The hitherto non-productive talks on the start of coalition negotiations in Belgium could lead to a split of the country that would also have an impact on France and Germany, writes the left-liberal daily To Ethnos: » more
The hitherto non-productive talks on the start of coalition negotiations in Belgium could lead to a split of the country that would also have an impact on France and Germany, writes the left-liberal daily To Ethnos: "It's obvious that Belgium has reached a turning point. It seems impossible that the state can continue to function without another profound institutional reform. ... No one knows how many stopovers it will take, but the Flanders political express is rushing towards independence - with peaceful means and motivated by hard right-wing positions. ... There is no doubt that if Flanders becomes independent Germany will have won another satellite state, while Wallonia would probably gravitate towards France, as has often been discussed. The Flemish would already have made themselves independent if they weren't afraid of losing bilingual Brussels."
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Helsingin Sanomat - Finland | Tuesday, 30. November 2010
The defeat of the Socialists in Catalonia's regional elections is a major setback for Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, writes the liberal daily Helsingen Sanomat, and goes on to analyse the debate about who will succeed him: » more
The defeat of the Socialists in Catalonia's regional elections is a major setback for Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, writes the liberal daily Helsingen Sanomat, and goes on to analyse the debate about who will succeed him: "The Socialists have ruled Catalonia for seven years. The end of socialist rule spells the beginning of hard times for Zapatero. It's a good year before the next parliamentary elections take place. It's almost taken for granted that the Socialists will lose. According to the International Monetary Fund it is unlikely that the Spanish economy will recover before the elections. The 20 percent unemployment and heavy debts of private households make themselves felt in the everyday life of the Spanish. Political observers are speculating on whether Zapatero will give up his position as party leader before or after the parliamentary elections. ... A fierce debate about who will succeed Zapatero has begun among the party leadership. Definite candidates are Defence Minister Carme Chacón and Eduardo Madina, who is rising rapidly in Basque politics. Both are under 40 and represent a new generation."
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El País - Spain | Monday, 29. November 2010
In the parliamentary elections in the Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia the conservative regionalist CiU led by Artur Mas emerged as the strongest party but fell short of an absolute majority. Together with more radical parties who want more independence for the region they will strive for a policy that leads to independence, the left-liberal daily El País writes: » more
In the parliamentary elections in the Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia the conservative regionalist CiU led by Artur Mas emerged as the strongest party but fell short of an absolute majority. Together with more radical parties who want more independence for the region they will strive for a policy that leads to independence, the left-liberal daily El País writes: "The regionalists [in Spanish 'nationalists'] under Mas won't initiate a referendum on independence for now but from their current position of power they will work towards gradual goals. The constitutional court's ruling which entailed major encroachments on Catalonia's statute of autonomy and the massive July 10 protest have given the regionalists a political boost. Separatist and pro-independence forces won 76 of the 135 votes in the parliament. Before the elections the CiU and the ERC had 69 members of parliament between them."
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De Standaard - Belgium | Friday, 29. October 2010
The political crisis in Belgium has reignited the debate about the country splitting up. Some Flemish citizens even fear the end of democracy in their region. But cultural scientist Dirk Rochtus laughs off these fears in the daily De Standaard: » more
The political crisis in Belgium has reignited the debate about the country splitting up. Some Flemish citizens even fear the end of democracy in their region. But cultural scientist Dirk Rochtus laughs off these fears in the daily De Standaard: "The theoretical end of Belgium can't be compared with the end of the Weimar Republic. Even if Belgium were to split up, democracy wouldn't be under threat. With the exception of a couple of agitators the Flemish nationalists have no intention of setting up an authoritarian regime. ... Will we suddenly become narrow-minded just because the 'B' on our passports is replaced by 'FL'? Do the state borders prevent us from reading French, German, English or Spanish newspapers and books? ... We live in the European Union yet we fix our gaze on the borders of our own state. ... Whether that state is called Belgium or Flanders: the main thing is that it is good, functions democratically and maintains close relations with its neighbours."
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NRC Handelsblad - Netherlands | Tuesday, 7. September 2010
After the collapse of coalition talks in Belgium on Friday there is once more talk of dividing the country. This would be tragic, the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad writes, pointing out that the Flemish nationalists and the Walloon Socialists were actually very close to an agreement: » more
After the collapse of coalition talks in Belgium on Friday there is once more talk of dividing the country. This would be tragic, the liberal daily NRC Handelsblad writes, pointing out that the Flemish nationalists and the Walloon Socialists were actually very close to an agreement: "Flanders in particular has focused in recent years on saying goodbye to Belgium, which would remain a loose confederation of states. Politics at a national level seemed to it more and more like baggage from the past. The future was seen to lie in its own section of the country. ... But the appointment of two high-ranking mediators points to a continuation of the talks. These two parties must achieve a consensus: the historical agreement that was almost reached must not be thrown away. The end of Belgium, a constant threat, is not yet nigh - at least not if the main protagonists come to their senses and make another effort."
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nrc.next - Netherlands | Thursday, 29. July 2010
The bullfighting ban in Catalonia is no triumph for animal rights as the main issue here is regional nationalism, writes the daily nrc.next: » more
The bullfighting ban in Catalonia is no triumph for animal rights as the main issue here is regional nationalism, writes the daily nrc.next: "The barbaric bullfights, so the argument goes, were imposed on us by Spain and in particular Madrid at some point. They're a 'custom alien to our people', one could say, but it doesn't sound as good. … At any rate it's a useful warning for the rest of Europe: As soon as 'national identity' turns up as a political argument mistrust is called for. We who live in a democratic society based on the rights of individuals can get along very well without it. But one encounters this argument more and more often, whether it's about Kosovo's independence or the discussions about identity and immigration. Regional nationalism, with the special tradition it has in places like Catalonia and the Basque country, reminds us why nationalism doesn't work as a political ideology."
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Pražský deník - Czech Republic | Wednesday, 28. July 2010
The Catalan parliament will decide today, Wednesday, whether to ban bullfights in the autonomous Spanish region. Everything points to an end to the Corrida in Catalonia, writes the liberal daily Pražský deník: » more
The Catalan parliament will decide today, Wednesday, whether to ban bullfights in the autonomous Spanish region. Everything points to an end to the Corrida in Catalonia, writes the liberal daily Pražský deník: "This is a dispute in which everyone is right. Of course the bullfight is an old Spanish tradition. And of course it constitutes cruelty to animals, which is considered barbaric in Europe. This is all reminiscent of the passionate British debate on fox hunting. ... Wouldn't it be a shame for the corrida to disappear altogether? Paradoxically what it has going for it is that the person in the arena is not automatically the winner. In this life-and-death struggle the animal sometimes comes out on top. The wounded and killed toreros are proof that this conflict is honourable and that the bull's chances are far better here than in the slaughterhouse. ... But it is also about politics. Barcelona wants to show the world that it is different from Madrid, where bullfights have been designated part of the cultural heritage."
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El Periódico de Catalunya - Spain | Friday, 16. July 2010
On July 10 hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Barcelona to protest the ruling of the Spanish Constitutional Court in Barcelona according to which parts of Catalan's Autonomy Statute are invalid. There are only two options for soothing the citizens' discontent, writes the Catalan daily El Periódico de Catalunya: » more
On July 10 hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Barcelona to protest the ruling of the Spanish Constitutional Court in Barcelona according to which parts of Catalan's Autonomy Statute are invalid. There are only two options for soothing the citizens' discontent, writes the Catalan daily El Periódico de Catalunya: "With respect to Catalonia the autonomous region system has outlived its usefulness. This is the most important conclusion to be drawn from the Constitutional Court's judgement. The problem this poses is not legal in nature, but political. The only way out of the trap in which Spain finds itself is a new political pact between Spain and Catalonia - the judgement has nullified that of 1978. From the Catalonian point of view there are two options: either a pact which redefines Catalonia's integration into Spain, based on a plurinational and federalist concept of the state, or the long and arduous path to independence."
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Frankfurter Rundschau - Germany | Tuesday, 13. July 2010
Never before have so many Spanish flags been flown as during the World Cup - even in Catalonia. But the World Cup victory will do nothing to solve Spain's inner conflicts, writes the left-liberal Frankfurter Rundschau: » more
Never before have so many Spanish flags been flown as during the World Cup - even in Catalonia. But the World Cup victory will do nothing to solve Spain's inner conflicts, writes the left-liberal Frankfurter Rundschau: "On Saturday, the day before the triumph, tens - some reliable sources say hundreds - of thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate their Catalan identity to the world. ... The occasion for the protest was a mere bagatelle. Recently the Spanish Constitutional Court decided that certain aspects of Catalonia's new regional status were anti-constitutional. True, this will not be Catalonia's demise, nevertheless her nationalist politicians - and unfortunately also her socialists - thrive on permanent confrontation with the rest of the country. On the other side of the coin are the ultra-nationalists, who regard every desire for regional autonomy as treason against the hallowed Spanish nation. Both sides could do with a bit more serenity."
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El País - Spain | Monday, 5. July 2010
Spain is discussing Catalonia's Statute of Autonomy, which four years after it came into force has now been declared partially unconstitutional by the Spanish Constitutional Court. A group of Catalan intellectuals calls in the left-liberal daily El País for a realignment of relations between Spain and Catalonia: » more
Spain is discussing Catalonia's Statute of Autonomy, which four years after it came into force has now been declared partially unconstitutional by the Spanish Constitutional Court. A group of Catalan intellectuals calls in the left-liberal daily El País for a realignment of relations between Spain and Catalonia: "The Spanish must accept that Catalonia is a nation, that it is a community with a clear awareness of possessing its own historical identity, its own language and its own will to reinforce its political independence. The Catalans must then for their part recognise that Spain is not just a state but a very old Western nation with a Castilian culture with which - despite all the mishaps of the past - it would be convenient for both sides to maintain privileged relations."
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De Standaard - Belgium | Monday, 12. July 2010
Belgian's Flemish population celebrated their national holiday yesterday, the 11th of July. Jan Peumans, president of the Flemish parliament, used the occasion to call for a constitution for the Flemish. The daily De Standaard approves of the idea, comparing the Flemish struggle for autonomy with that of the Catalan population in Spain: » more
Belgian's Flemish population celebrated their national holiday yesterday, the 11th of July. Jan Peumans, president of the Flemish parliament, used the occasion to call for a constitution for the Flemish. The daily De Standaard approves of the idea, comparing the Flemish struggle for autonomy with that of the Catalan population in Spain: "It may be that Flanders does not have to fight as hard against Brussels as the Catalans do against Madrid. Nevertheless here too things don't happen as a matter of course. If the political stalemate of the past years tells us anything, it's that the primarily Flemish sighs for more powers for the regional governments are not without controversy, and that these require much argumentation and struggle. ... The [Flemish constitution] is certainly a legitimate wish. It is good that what Flanders stands for should be put down in writing. ... Nevertheless one must not expect a miraculous strengthening of the Flemish identity from such a constitution. Far more important is that the text should also be implemented in Flanders."
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La Vanguardia - Spain | Wednesday, 23. June 2010
The new regionalism in Belgian Flanders is encouraging for the Spanish regions of Catalonia and the Basque country, writes Francesc-Marc Álvaro in the Catalan daily La Vanguardia: » more
The new regionalism in Belgian Flanders is encouraging for the Spanish regions of Catalonia and the Basque country, writes Francesc-Marc Álvaro in the Catalan daily La Vanguardia: "More Flanders, less Belgium, more Europe. This is the formula Bart de Wever proposes for unblocking the institutional logjam in the state of Belgium. ... What is happening in Belgium is being observed with understandable interest in the different parts of Spain. As always in these cases, some commentators in Madrid have already warned that anyone who sees an analogy with Catalonia or the Basque country needs to go to an eye specialist. Without doubt Belgium and Spain have nothing in common from a historical or political point of view. Nor do the UK and Spain, or the former Czechoslovakia and Spain. ... But the fact that the Spanish case is just as unique and unrepeatable as those mentioned above (since no national problem is identical) doesn't prevent us from looking to this umpteenth attempt of the Belgians to find a way out of their predicament for something useful or inspiring."
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El Punt - Spain | Wednesday, 30. June 2010
Four years after Catalonia's Statute of Autonomy came into effect Spain's constitutional court has declared certain parts of it unconstitutional. The Catalan daily El Punt is indignant: » more
Four years after Catalonia's Statute of Autonomy came into effect Spain's constitutional court has declared certain parts of it unconstitutional. The Catalan daily El Punt is indignant: "The will of the people of Catalonia is sovereign, and no court ruling that contradicts it can be regarded as an act of justice. The Spanish constitutional court has acted in a way that is legally questionable, juristically incompetent and politically unacceptable. ... We would do well to remember that this statute is a minimal consensus which originated in our country's parliament, was negotiated with Spain and passed by the [Spanish] parliament, corroborated by the will of the people in a referendum and even signed by the king. An impeccable democratic process that is being denigrated by the unjustifiable ruling of a court that lacks even a modicum of honour. Catalonia is a nation, no matter what an absurd court ruling claims."
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De Tijd - Belgium | Wednesday, 2. June 2010
Belgium will elect a new parliament on June 13. The business daily De Tijd complains that the topic of the economy only plays a role in the Flemish regions: » more
Belgium will elect a new parliament on June 13. The business daily De Tijd complains that the topic of the economy only plays a role in the Flemish regions: "The government that takes up office after June 13 must make unpopular decisions whether it likes it or not. There's no getting around painful cuts. The clearer the parties are on how they intend to deal with this thankless task, the better informed the voters will be and the more able they will be to have a say in the country's economic and social recovery. Unfortunately that only goes for this side of the linguistic divide. ... It is particularly worrying that the Francophone politicians either don't want to or don't dare to prepare their voters for bad news. The result is a two-speed election campaign. While one side of the linguistic divide goes on a painful but necessary search for 22 billion euros, all we hear from the other is 'tout va bien, madame la marquise'."
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All available articles from » Bart Haeck
Le Soir - Belgium | Friday, 23. April 2010
The daily Le Soir wonders whether the state of Belgium has any reason to exist at all in view of the longstanding conflict between the Flemish and the Walloons: » more
The daily Le Soir wonders whether the state of Belgium has any reason to exist at all in view of the longstanding conflict between the Flemish and the Walloons: "Does it still make any sense at all to maintain a state when no one knows if its next elections will be legitimate? Does it still make sense to maintain a state that lacks men, women and even a system capable of finding the compromises necessary for its very survival? This morning the Flemish will lay the blame on the Walloons, saying they're never ready to cede so much as an inch. ... For their part the Walloons will say the Flemish are to blame because they want to expel the francophone population from Flanders. Does this country still make sense? We still endorse its existence. But this idea is only worth its salt when enough people believe in it, stand up for it and keep it alive."
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