Catalonia

The podcast discusses the possibility of Catalonia separating from Spain. The separation would have significant political, economic, social, cultural, and legal implications. Catalonia has a distinct cultural identity and wants to preserve its language and traditions. Economic disparities and a desire for political autonomy are also reasons for the separation. However, not all Catalonians support independence, and the Spanish government considers it unconstitutional. The issue has been a source of division within the region. Hello, hello, good morning, everyone, and welcome to my podcast. And, again, it's me, Annie. So for today's podcast we're going to talk about a little bit of political, a little bit of politics. And, yeah, I find it very interesting because this is about regarding the issue that Catalonia wanted to be separated from Spain. Imagine that, you know. So when we say Catalonia, it's like Barcelona. What else? What other region of the world? The only place I know, I knew is Barcelona, and I think it's Tarragona, if I'm not mistaken. Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, okay? So I did my research and I found something that stating that I did my research and I tried to ask what is the possible thing to happen if Catalonia region separates from Spain, okay? So based on the research that I did, first it will affect their political implications. So when it comes to political implications, the separation of Catalonians would likely or almost lead to significant political changes in both Catalonia and Spain. Negotiations and discussions would be necessary to determine the terms of the separation and establish diplomatic relations between the newly independent Catalonians and Spain. So definitely it's going to be a big, big effect, and it will affect not only Catalonia but almost the regions of Spain if it happens, especially when it comes to the political beliefs and political plans. So like what I said, I felt sad when I heard about this because for me, Spain, for me, I cannot call Spain a second key without the Catalonian region, especially the Barcelona. I've been there for how many times and it was really beautiful, and imagine if it's become a new country. I don't know what are the policies, but definitely it's going to be a lot of changes going to happen there. Another thing is another reason or possible consequences when it comes to separation of the Catalonian region from Spain is the economic impact. Definitely it's going to be a big disaster is going to happen there, especially when it comes to the economic consequences, or it could have economic crisis for both Catalonia and Spain. And it's not only in Spain. It's not only Catalonian regions. We have the best country. We have the different regions. We have a lot of regions in Spain. And also not only the regions, of course, the people, the people who live in Catalonia and the people who live in general in Spain. So the legacy, what I call it, the independence, the independence of Catalonian regions might affect Spain's overall economic stability. And definitely I don't want to say it, but it could be bad. The economic would be possible going to be bad. And for that, Catalonia needs to establish its own economic infrastructure if it's going to happen, including the currency and the trade agreements that possible to, that they have to do. A lot of changes, a lot of planning, a lot of contracts that needs to be done if it's going to happen. Another thing is the international recognition. So the international community and community could respond and recognition of Catalonia as an independent state would be crucial, you know, because some countries might recognize Catalonia as independent while others may not. And it could lead to variations in diplomatic relations and like in the international, when it comes to international support, when it comes to some problems, could be a rise. And we don't know. We don't know what's going to happen in the future, but if there's something happen like something that happened, it will give a little bit of confusion on how you're going to support this particular independent country, as they are saying, if it's going to be manifested. And another thing is the social and cultural effects. Of course, it's going to be a big impact, like the separation might also have a social and cultural ramifications or effects. Issues related to citizenship, definitely, if there's going to be like a different country. Language, cultural identity could arise as both Catalonia and Spain navigate the changes brought about by the separation. Well, imagine if Catalonia region separated from Spain and it's definitely going to be another citizenship that you need to obtain and the languages you need to learn, Catalan, okay, not only Spanish. Of course, the cultural identity, you know. So imagine the people live there and they know that Catalonia is part of Spain and if it's going to be separated, then definitely a lot of adjustments could happen. A lot of arrangement could happen. A lot of documentation needs to process, especially the citizenship of the people, currency, languages, cultural, everything. And another thing is legal challenges. Catalonia independence would need to be established as well, covering issues such as citizenship, property rights, and the divisions of assets and liabilities. I cannot imagine this. And regional stability, the process of separation could potentially impact regional stability, not only with Catalonia and Spain, but also neighboring regions. It could also affect the neighboring countries. There were European unions. The nature of the separation and the reactions of different groups within and outside Catalonia would play a role in determining overall stability. And when we said stability, I don't know if it's going to be possible to maintain the stability or it's kind of difficult to obtain it. So those are the six reasons why they really wanted to or what are the possible results if it's happened, the separation of Catalonian regions from Spain. And I also did the research regarding the reasons. What are the reasons why they really wanted to pursue this? I was talking to – it's been a long time, like two years ago. I was talking to one of my coordinators regarding this, and she said that this issue was a very old issue, like ages, since Franco's dictatorship. It's been an issue already. And until now, it's still an issue. So I did also my research. Some reasons are when it comes to cultural identity. So they said that Catalonia has a distinct cultural identity in its own language, Catalan, history and traditions. And they said some Catalans feel a strong connection to their original identity and believe that independence would better allow them to preserve and promote their unique culture. Well, definitely Catalonian regions has a lot to offer when it comes to the culture, structures, architectures, everything. So those are the reasons why they wanted to be separated from Spain, you know, to have their own uniqueness. Economic disparities. They said that Catalonian regions is one of the wealthiest regions in Spain, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. And some locals or some Catalans argue with that because they are like, they want to control what they've been contributing to the economy. And they want to be independent and give more freedom when it comes to controlling their finances. So those are number two reasons. And they also give another reason about political autonomy. Catalonia has historically sought greater autonomy in decision-making. While Catalonia does have a degree of autonomy, there have been disputes over the extent of this autonomy and disagreements with the central government. So I think they believe and they said that without Spain and only us, we can manage when it comes to our political beliefs, political perceptions, and political independent thinking. So those also are the reasons why they wanted to be separated from Spain. Well, and another thing is language and education. So they said that issues related to language and education have been factors in the desire for independence. Some Catalans argue for the promotions of the Catalan language in education and official matters. Well, for me, I think, you know, they can just input this particular matters or particular issues. For example, they want to immerse the people from Catalonian regions to learn the Catalan language. Well, they can do a lot of, they can do that, but I don't see the, I don't see that they have to be separated, you know. I felt that, I felt sad if it's going to happen because it's going to be like, Spain is not going to be Spain without Catalonian regions, you know. And definitely, some people from Spain or citizens of Spain will not agree to this proposal that to have an amnesty to be independent. Well, I don't know, maybe or maybe not. We don't know what's going to happen in the long run. And another thing is the historical grievances, you know, such as the Spanish Civil War and the Franco era. Franco was a dictator in Spain and have left lasting scars, you know, and some Catalans perceived the central government actions during this period as oppressive, contributing to a desire for greater self-governance. And for Catalonia, it's important that, to know that not all Catalonians, just to give you information, not all Catalonians support independence. And the issue has been source of division within region. The Spanish government, as of my knowledge, update in January 2022, has consistently opposed Catalonia's independence considering it's unconstitutional. For me, it's not logical that Catalonia regions would be, you know, to be independent because you are part of Spain. Even if Catalonia regions become independent, still, I don't think that we can call them like a different country with a different visa, with a different immigration, I don't know. I'm not really a political type of person, but that is my insights regarding this factor, regarding this issue. And whoever have more information regarding this, I really, really love to have an interview with you. And I hope that you can, I hope I can find someone who can share more of her knowledge when it comes to this political issue or issue between regions of Catalonia and being separated from Spain. And I hope that, guys, I'll give you some ideas and insights regarding this. I don't know why am I talking about, I don't know why am I talking about political politics right now, but I think it's, you know, like my podcast is random. So right now I was thinking that I think it's a good topic to talk about it. So again, thank you so much for all my listeners. I'm so happy I'm doing this. And I'm looking forward to join some people with my podcast and talk about different things under the sun. Again, thank you again for listening. And have a good day to all of you guys. Signing off, Annie.