Yesterday people gathered in Catalonia to form a 400-kilometer human chain from the north to south across the region in support of its independence. Their action forces us to consider the region's struggle for independence and whether serious talks about the movement should be held. The word "dialogue" was oft-repeated by political leaders during the day, and it was more than an empty phrase.
Catalonia's president, Artur Mas, played a part in organizing the movement a year after he discouraged it. He and Prime Minister Rajoy should look for a solution that avoids a Catalonian secession and placates the Spanish public.
Surveys show that the Catalonians are split almost 50/50 between those who want to secede and those who want to remain part of Spain. The secessionist have a slight majority. If the percentage of people vying for secession drops, then Catalonia might be able to persuade the Spanish government to grant it increased oversight of its affairs without having to break away from Spain.
García Margallo, the Minister of the Exterior, has finally spoken up about changing Catalonia's political and geographic structure, and a dialogue could be started to discuss what changes could take place. As elEconomsita has already mentioned last year, there is no reason to fear big changes. Not allowing change, as well as ignoring those who do not want secession, would foment a deaf dialogue that is doomed to fail.
