Oskar Aanmoen offers his take on the referendum in Catalonia, and why he thinks its failure has increased the popularity of the Spanish Royal Family.
During the last few weeks, the Spanish monarchy has increased its popularity and support in Spain as a result of the failure of the referendum in Catalonia for independence. Yesterday, Catalonia conducted a referendum in which they voted on the question of making Catalonia, a part of Spain, into an independent republic.
Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Spain, visited Mallorca recently where they participated in a ceremony to insert the new mayor the city Palma de Mallorca. There, the King and Queen were received by a much larger audience than usual. Mallorca and the Balearic Islands are strongly associated with Catholic culture, and the people of the islands speak mainly Catalan.
The Spanish Royal Family on Easter Sunday on 16 April 2017 in Palma. © Casa de S.M. el Rey
In the recent weeks, Spanish royalists and monarchists have become more visible throughout Spain, as a result of the Catalonia referendum. Several pro-Spain demonstrations have been organised – even in Catalonia where people have had Spanish flags with them and pictures of the King.
His Majesty King Felipe of Spain criticised the referendum in a speech he gave at the National Culture Awards ceremony: “In the face of those who place themselves outside the constitutional and statutory law and who fracture society, the rights that belong to the Spaniards will be preserved, and the liberties of all the citizens will be guaranteed and protected.”
Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma. Photo: Phidelorme via Wikimedia Commons.
His Majesty also said, “Coexistence in a constitutional democracy like ours is only possible if the laws which regulate and organise it are observed and followed by the citizens and by the institutions; if the rights and liberties of the citizens are protected and respected by the public powers.”
Several other royals and representatives from noble families have also strongly criticised Catalonia for its referendum which was called illegal by the Spanish government meaning the Spanish government will not recognise the vote. Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma has condemned the referendum and called it “revolutionary” and encouraged all his followers and anyone who wants a monarchy not to vote. Prince Sixtus Henry is the Carlist claimant to the Spanish throne.
“During the last few weeks, the Spanish monarchy has increased its popularity and support in Spain as a result of the failure of the referendum in Catalonia for independence. ”
Doesn’t actually make any sense; I think (hope!) you meant to say
“During the last few weeks, the Spanish monarchy has increased its popularity and support in Spain as a result of the forthcoming referendum in Catalonia for independence. “
Exactly. The vote was overwhelmingly for independence.
Please don’t take this as approval of the vote or the turnout.
True – the vote WAS overwhelmingly for independence
However – on 42% of the total electorate voted – so it was 90% of 42% which is 37.8% – meaning 62.2% DIDN’T vote for Independence
Also can any vote really be trusted where people were told that they could print their own ballot papers?
Which one reason why I don’t approve of the vote. Hardcore leave voters came out but stay voters stayed home to avoid violence. This situation reminds me of the U.S. civil war.
Si, Espana! No, Catatonia!! VIVA ESPANA!!
You must be mentally ill to think that! Stick with brownnosing our parasitical inbreds