Henry Kamen wonders whether Spain is really a nation

Henry Kamen, a British historian specialising in Spain, considers whether the Spanish national anthem should be given lyrics, adding to the current debate that is preoccupying the country. "What is clear is that the lyrics of an anthem should reflect an agreement on values both loved and hated. For the Spanish, who have never believed in patriotism and prefer to fight among themselves rather than against others, these shared values do not exist. Basically, there is no feeling of being a united nation and it is consequently impossible to agree on an anthem. ... Maybe the subject should first be submitted to a referendum. The Spanish should be asked if they think they are a nation and is if they should as a consequence have an anthem like in any other country. If they answer that they don't feel they are a nation, then the subject should be closed, since this would mean they have no desire to sing about an identity that doesn't exist."

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