Today in Catalonia - a referendum on secession from Spain. This is the second referendum. Several years ago, a similar referendum was held, which was declared invalid and illegal by the central authorities. On it, 55% voted against secession and 45% in favor.

Today's referendum, even before it began, was recognized by the central government and the constitutional court as illegal and without legal force. However, this time the central government did not stop at this - the National Guard was sent, which is trying to prevent the referendum by force. Polling stations are closed, ballot boxes and ballots are confiscated. In addition, sites calling for a referendum are blocked, as well as Internet access to the electoral commissions of Catalonia.

Not all areas were blocked. In addition, activists are trying to prevent the action of the national guards. Both sides try to avoid force, but this does not always work.

Euronews reports live non-stop from Catalonia, from the stations and from the area around it, showing the actions of the police.

Apparently, European politicians and the journalistic community are in complete fucking.

The desire of the central government of Spain to arouse the love of the Catalans with the help of forceful measures is surprising. It is completely incomprehensible why it was necessary to try to disperse the holding of a referendum, which was previously recognized as illegal. As a result, although the referendum will be held with a lower turnout, the proportion of those who voted for secession will increase sharply, that is, from a legal point of view, its results will still be insignificant, but from a propaganda point of view, they will be much more advantageous.

What is happening also carries a number of other dangers. For example, the confrontation between local and central power structures. So far, local police officers have simply been suspended from duty.

At the same time, it should be noted that Catalonia's course towards secession has a long history. Also (in the style of "I said") 6 years ago, after summer holidays in those places, the authors of the blog wrote about the growth of separatism in Catalonia and that this could result in the separation of the region, with which most commentators, of course, did not agree.

The Catalans have always considered themselves, at best, not quite Spaniards, at worst - well, not at all Spaniards. Their language is not Spanish, but something closer to the dialect of Old French, the origin is the same. In all the troubles, they took the side of opponents of the central government, but regularly lost. The last military confrontation was the civil war in Spain, where they were on the side of the Republicans.

During Franco's time, Catalan separatism was crushed hard. Catalans were forbidden to speak Catalan even on the streets, for which they were imprisoned. The only place in Catalonia where Catalan was spoken freely in public was the famous church of St. Mary on Montserrat, where the service was traditionally conducted in Catalan.

In the years after Franco, the Catalan authorities gradually set a course for autonomy, first cultural, then political. They began to study Catalan in schools, then at universities they taught both in Spanish and Catalan, then - almost exclusively in Catalan.

Now in Catalan restaurants the menu is in Catalan, English and Russian, and very rarely in Spanish.

The Spaniards say that the Catalans now pretend that they do not understand Spanish, but when it comes to money, they immediately begin to understand everything. The Spaniards consider the Catalans to be hoarders and curcules, and the Catalans (the rest of the) Spaniards are loafers and rogues.

In addition to traditional cultural differences, money also brings complications in relations between Catalonia and the Spanish authorities. Catalonia, with its capital Barcelona, ​​is a more developed region and contributes more to the central budget than it receives.

As far as I understand, residents Western Europe regard the intra-Spanish showdown as an unfortunate misunderstanding that undermines European unity, which has already been shaken after Brexit. European officials are scaring the Catalans with all sorts of passions - and that they will have to leave the EU and Schengen and stand at the back of the head of a long line of people who want to join, and that they will be kicked out of their favorite football club Barcelona from both the Spanish championship and European competition. But our people are quietly gloating, believing that Catalan separatism is the consequences of the boomerang law from what they launched to us.

1. Brief description

An ethno-political conflict between the people of Catalonia and the government of Spain, based on the struggle for equality between Catalans and Spaniards with pronounced separatist sentiments.

2. History of the conflict

Catalonia (Latin Catalonia; Catal. Catalunya; Spanish Cataluna) -historical region and autonomous community in the northeast of Spain, between the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees. Includes the provinces of Barcelona, ​​Girona, Lleida, Terragona. The Catalans also consider the adjacent lands of France (department of the French Pyrenees), the so-called Northern Catalonia, to be part of the historical territory of Catalonia. The population of Catalonia is7.2 million people. About 65% of them are ethnic Catalans. In turn, the Catalans are a Western Romanesque people, the formation of which scientists attribute to the medieval period of the Spanish March.

Currently, the year 988 is considered the founding date of Catalonia, because in this year the Count of Barcelona refuses to take an oath of allegiance to the monarch Hugo Capet, under whose patronage these lands were. Over the next few centuries, Catalonia becomes one of the most important regions in Europe. In the 16th century, the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon are formally united into the Kingdom of Spain through a dynastic union. This significantly reduces the economic and political importance of Catalonia. During the reign of PhilipIIstartthe first conflicts between the monarchyand a kingdom that wants independence. In 1659, at the end of a long war between Spain and France, the Catalan territories of Roussillon passed into the possession of the latter., Conflans, Vallespir, Capsir, as well as the northern part of the County of Cerdanya. Until today, this territory is part of the French Republic and is administratively part of the Eastern Pyrenees department., as mentioned above.

War of the Spanish Succession(1705-1714) led to the abolition of Catalan autonomy and privileges. Battle of Barcelona September 11, 1714became decisive for the Catalans as it marked a national defeat, however, this particular day is the National Day of Catalonia. This is one of the clearest examples of a chosen injury, on whichthe Catalans are building their identity. After the fall of Barcelona, ​​the Catalan constitution was abolished, Catalan universities were closed and the use of the Catalan language in office work was prohibited for two and a half centuries. The language was forbidden to be taught even in primary and secondary schools.

At firstXXcentury, as a result of unsuccessful reforms of the conservative government led by A. Maura during the monarchyAlphonseXIII there is an increase in radical nationalist sentiment and terrorism in largest cities Catalonia. After the suppression of mass protests in Barcelona, ​​the government launched a crackdown. One of the organizers of street demonstrations is a moderate Catalan nationalist F. Ferrer- was executed, which provoked a new wave of public indignation throughout the country and ultimately forced King Alphonse XIII to decide on the resignation of the Conservative government.

In 1923 With the tacit support of the king, a coup took place in the country, and all power was in the hands of General Primo de Rivera.In ideological terms, the dictatorial regime pursued a policy of encouraging "state nationalism", the ideological platform of which was to rally the citizens of the country on the basis of national values. This policy was directed against regional nationalists, primarily in Catalonia. Initially, the majority of Catalan nationalists supported the dictator's measures to combat corruption and the dominance of party oligarchs. However, after the introduction of a ban on the activities of the administrative body of regional self-government "Catalan Unity" and a number of other nationalist associations in Catalonia, opposition to the tough regional policy pursued by M. Primo de Rivera began to expand. In response, the dictatorial regime intensified its policy of national oppression. The Directory declared the agitation for the autonomy of Catalonia "treason". Schools were again banned from teaching in Catalan. As a result of these violent measures, the separatist movement in Catalonia gained strength, and the republican ideas increasingly attracted the Catalans.

The aggravation of ethno-national problems, primarily in relations between the center and Catalonia, became one of the decisive reasons for the fall of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera

The Republic of April, proclaimed in 1931, granted autonomy to Catalonia inSeptember 1932 Which, however, was taken away during the establishment of Franco's dictatorship.The conflict between the center and the periphery (moreover, the conflict between Madrid and Barcelona) became a defining moment in the history of the Francoist dictatorship.Any manifestations of national feelings other than Castilian (Spanish) were suppressed. And again, Catalonia was forbidden not only to use native language in business and public life(all clerical work was conducted in Spanish, as well as newspapers, radio, television, book publishing, teaching at school and universities), but also to speak it.

The adoption of the Constitution of 1978 was a truly revolutionary step for a country that had been under the yoke of the Francoist regime for almost 40 years. The Constitution not only recognizes the existence of different nationalities in the country and their right to autonomy, but also devotes a whole section 8 “On the territorial structure of the state” (16 articles) to the topic of autonomy.

Catalonia was the first to restore its former autonomous rights. After the general democratic elections of 1977 on the 5th, the King issues a special decree on the resumption of the activities of the Generalitat. And on October 25, 1979, the Catalans vote for a new autonomous statute, in which Catalonia is defined as a nationality, and Catalan as an official National language autonomy. The first autonomous elections on March 20, 1980 were won by the nationalist Unity and Union (Convergencia i Unio) party, which lasted 23 years in power. Over the past 27 years, the autonomous rights of Catalonia have expanded significantly (in mid-1990‑ x carried out reform of autonomous statutes). Catalonia

is the most industrialized part of the country. It has the broadest powers, including issues local government, entrepreneurship, transport, communications, public security (in Catalonia, as in the Basque Country, its own police, not subordinate to Madrid), as well as issues of education, culture, language policy, security environment and partially justice (it has its own civil code, although in most matters the justice system of Catalonia is subordinate to the central government).

With the coming to power in Spain of the socialists in March 2004, the discussion on the expansion of the powers of autonomy, which has been ongoing in Spanish society since the mid-1990s‑ x, resumed. In October, the leaders of all autonomies met with Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to discuss the possibility - and the willingness of the ruling party - to reform

autonomy systems. Catalonia has become the most active participant in this process. Back in December 2003, Pascual Maragall, who had just become president of Catalonia, promised the Catalans to reform the autonomous statute. In February 2004, the parliament formed a commission that undertook to draw up a new text of the law on the autonomous status of Catalonia. A year later, September 30, 2005‑ First, the Autonomous Parliament approved the draft text of the new statute by a majority vote. On November 2, the document was submitted to Madrid, where the project had a long way to go through the constitutional commission of the Congress, discussion and approval in the Cortes Generales.

Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, began the struggle for independence long before the events that are taking place now. Spain is not multinational, like, say, Russia or India, but is considered a country with a sharp predominance of one nation with a significant number of national minorities. But to classify the proud people of the Catalans as national minorities is a mistake. They are usually called the partner people, who stood at the origins of the formation of Spain.

The Spanish state began to take shape in 1469 after the dynastic marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. Thus, two influential kingdoms - Castile and Aragon - united. Modern Catalonia was part of the Aragonese kingdom. What were the reasons for the unification?

Firstly, the unification was influenced by the presence of an external threat, in particular from France and Portugal. Secondly, the desire to win back the lands from the Muslims (completion of the Reconquista). Ferdinand and Isabella did an excellent job with the last point - in 1492, after a long resistance, the kingdom of Granada surrendered. The rule of the Catholic kings, as Isabella and Ferdinand were called, was successful - Spain finally took shape.

Catalonia was part of a voluntary association. Why does she want to separate today? To answer this question, you need to remember history.

Birth of Catalonia

The founding date of Catalonia is considered to be 988, when Count Borrell II of Barcelona refused to recognize the authority of the kings of France over his lands. Let's remember this date and return to it a little later, because the history of Catalonia did not begin with this.

From about the III millennium BC. The territory of Catalonia was inhabited by the Iberian tribes. Starting from the VIII century BC. Greek colonies appeared on the Iberian coast. The Greeks brought all the achievements of their civilization to the new lands and contributed to the development of the region. From II BC by the 5th century AD e. the land of modern Catalonia was under the rule of the Roman Empire, which had a positive impact on their development - the Spanish lands were considered one of the richest. It was during the Roman era that such Catalan cities as Barcelona, ​​Tarragona and Girona were founded.

In the 5th century on the territory of modern Catalonia, the ancient Germanic tribes of the Visigoths settled, but their position has always remained precarious. The history of disobedience in Catalonia can be traced back to 672, when Duke Paul raised an uprising against the Visigoths and proclaimed himself king. However, the next year the Visigoths regained power.

From the VIII century begins the invasion of Muslim Arabs on the Iberian Peninsula. The territory of Catalonia was captured in 720. Simultaneously with the Arab conquest, the Reconquista begins. Huge contribution the Carolingians, a royal dynasty in the state of the Franks, contributed to the fight against foreigners. Thanks to their intervention, the territory of Catalonia was liberated from foreigners by the end of the 8th century. The liberated territories were united by the Franks under the name "Spanish March" and were separate counties, the rulers of which were appointed by the Carolingians. The most powerful of them was the county of Barcelona, ​​around which Catalonia was formed.

From the very beginning of its existence (since 801), the County of Barcelona pursued an independent policy, and in 988, as we noted earlier, it completely refused to recognize the dominance of the Franks.

In the XI century. feudal society begins to take shape in Catalonia. Once free farmers began to fall into feudal dependence. In 1035, Ramon Berenguer I became the Count of Barcelona. Ramon united all the lands belonging to his father and successfully fought against the Moors. During his reign, the codification of Catalan law began, which regulated, among other things, feudal relations. At the beginning of the XII century. under his grandson Ramon Berenguer III, the name "Catalonia" first appeared in documents.

In the same XII century, as a result of the dynastically advantageous union of Count Ramon Berenguer IV of Barcelona and Petronila of Aragon, the Kingdom of Aragon began to take shape. The newly formed kingdom was considered one of the most powerful in the Middle Ages. Being in the Western Mediterranean, it flourished thanks to trade and navigation.

Autonomy within the Kingdom of Spain

The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile marked the beginning of the formation of the Spanish kingdom, which finally took shape by 1516. For almost two centuries, Castile and Aragon retained their rights and liberties: political structure, laws, courts, and also minted their own coin. In Catalonia, by the way, one of the first parliaments in Europe, Corts Catalanas, was formed. Favorably, the development of the new kingdom was influenced by the decree of Isabella and Ferdinand, which abolished the feudal dependence of the peasants. Although the merger of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon diminished the influence of Catalonia, for the first century and a half it lived relatively calmly.

During this period, the economic situation in Catalonia remained predominantly favorable. The discovery of America stimulated the development of maritime trade. Agriculture also continued to develop.

The start of the fight

Philip II (King of Spain in 1556 - 1598) was the first to strike at the independence of Catalonia. During his reign, the first conflicts arose between the monarch and the local aristocracy. Philip ignored the decision of the Cortes, imposed additional taxes on the population, and even executed representatives of some noble Aragonese families.

In 1640-1652. the first major uprising of the Catalans against royal absolutism took place - the Segador uprising or "War of the Reapers". Then for the first time the slogans of separation of Catalonia from Spain were put forward. The reason for the war was the desire of Philip IV to eliminate the autonomy of Catalonia. The army of the king, consisting of foreigners, whom the Catalans had to feed, was introduced into its territory. All the burden fell on the shoulders of ordinary peasants - reapers. The rebels held out for so many years with the support of the king of France. The President of the government, Pau Claris, proclaimed the Catalan Republic under the protectorate of Louis XIII. But the victory could not be kept. In 1652, the army of the Spanish king occupied Catalonia.

Catalonia continued to inconvenience Madrid. In 1714, in response to another defiance, King Philip V canceled her autonomy and privileges and banned the Catalan language. From this moment, the level of national self-consciousness of the Catalans begins to grow.

Throughout the 19th century, Catalonia was in a state of permanent war. In 1812 - 1814. it was under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the middle of the century in Spain began a series civil wars, the cause of which was the conflict over the succession to the throne. The struggle broke out between the Carlists, who supported Carlos the Elder, and the liberal supporters of Isabella II. In the second half of the XIX century. Spain's disasters continued: revolutions and wars succeeded each other. In 1871, Catalonia attempted to secede. And only skillful negotiation helped Madrid avoid this.

In the 19th century, Catalonia experienced a rise in patriotism. Having lost their autonomy and their rights, the Catalans did not give up, the national idea grew stronger in their minds. The industrialization of Catalonia led to the growth of its economic power. Together with new enterprises in the Catalan cities, the size of the working class increased, among which radical sentiments spread from socialism to anarchism.

Night before dawn

In the XX century. the struggle of the Catalans for independence, reinforced by the labor movement, gained new strength. In 1923, the government under the leadership of General Miguel Primo de Rivera began to pursue a conservative course aimed at suppressing regional separatism. Only the resignation of the general saved Spain from mass upheavals.

On April 14, 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed. In 1932, Catalonia received autonomous status, and its government began to function again, but this did not last long.

The dictatorial regime of Francisco Franco, which was established in 1939, again took away from the Catalans everything they fought for: autonomy was again lost, the Catalan language was banned, and leaders of the national movement were subjected to repression. Any separatist sentiments were severely suppressed. Franco's dictatorship continued until 1975.

After decades of a repressive political regime, the country began to move towards the restoration of democracy. In 1978, a new Constitution was adopted, which recognized the right of nationalities to autonomy. Catalonia took advantage of this position first. In 1977, the government of Catalonia, the Generalitat, was revived. In 1979, the charter of autonomy was adopted, which defined the Catalans as a nation and recognized the Catalan language as official along with Spanish.

What ideas national identity strong roots in Catalonia during the years of oppression, confirms the fact that the first autonomous elections were won by the nationalist Unity and Union party, which lasted 23 years in power.

Democracy woke up Catalonia and forced her to return to thoughts of secession from Spain. To the standard Catalan desire for political and economic independence was added the rejection of the ideas of multiculturalism and globalization. For centuries, under pressure from the central government, the Catalans not only did not lose their desire for their national identity, they also increased it.

Having become acquainted with the history of Catalonia, it becomes clear why today it demands independence. She has economic, political and cultural reasons for this. Economic development Catalonia makes it one of the most developed regions in Spain, which is why Catalan taxpayers do not want their funds to flow outside the region. Among the political reasons is the presence of local administration and institutions that are weighed down by the regulation of the supreme power. Among the cultural reasons - a common language for all Catalans, traditions and history of the struggle for independence.

Healthy Catalan nationalism is what the countries of Europe lack so much in the face of blurring cultural boundaries.

The “History of Catalonia” section includes informative articles with detailed description historical past of the northern autonomous region of Spain Catalonia. Entries contain general information about Catalonia, location, climate, main cities and attractions.

The history of Catalonia is detailed in stages: from its origins to the present day. medieval history Catalonia is known for numerous wars, the fall of some states and the emergence of others. The articles present images that mark the period of economic recession and growth in Spain in general, in Catalonia in particular. The history of Catalonia is described taking into account common history Spain.

The materials available in the articles "History of Catalonia" will allow tourists to get acquainted with the historical past of the north of Spain, learn numerous facts from the history of Spain, and prepare for excursions in the autonomous region of Spain.

IN early XVIII century, the difficult internal economic situation in Catalonia began to recover rapidly. Population growth and economic recovery began, agricultural production was revived, thanks to trade with the North and South America turnover increased. In the 18th century, industrialization actively began in Catalonia, which was manifested in the establishment of the production of cotton goods and other textile products.

In the 1790s, new conflicts arose on the Catalan border with France in connection with the ongoing French Revolution. In 1808, Catalonia was occupied by the troops of General Duhem. The Spanish army was defeated, but the people of Catalonia continued to resist the French occupation, which eventually escalated into the Peninsular War.

The French laid siege to Girona, its defense continued under the leadership of General Mariano Alvarez de Castro. The French were able to take Girona in early December 1809 due to huge deaths from starvation, numerous epidemics and cold on both sides. Alvarez de Castro died in prison one month later.

The medieval history of Catalonia is associated with numerous wars after the victorious end of which, some states were destroyed and others, more powerful, were born. Thus was born one of the largest kingdoms of medieval Catalonia, Aragon, whose territory stretched on both sides of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea and included the Mediterranean islands.

Catalonia history of Catalonia origins

In the northeast of the Iberian, or as the Spaniards call it, the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the most interesting autonomous regions of Spain, Catalonia with a rich history. Until November 7, 1659, Spain and Catalonia had slightly different borders. However, when signing the Iberian Peace after the end Thirty Years' War between France and Spain in 1618-1648, a significant part of the territories of Catalonia passed to France.

The first known to science settlers on the lands of present-day Catalonia were noted in the Middle Paleolithic. The oldest known human footprint, found near Banyolas, is 200,000 years old. Copper things date back to 2500-1800, bronze 1800-700 BC. Bronze Age began with the arrival of the Indo-Europeans, who created the first organized settlements. From about the middle of the 7th century BC. The Iron Age began in the history of Catalonia.

During the period of the Iberian civilization, the territory of Catalonia was inhabited by various tribes who settled on the Mediterranean coast in the area of ​​today's Barcelona and Mataro. The influx of Celtic peoples led to the formation of a characteristic combination of cultures known as the Celtiberian culture. From the VI century BC. e. evidence of the Iberians is provided by such ancient authors as Hecateus of Miletus, Ruf Fest Avien, Herodotus, Strabo. From the XI century BC. In the history of Catalonia, the era of the Phoenician trading posts began. In the VIII-VII centuries BC. Greek colonies began to form in Catalonia, such as Rodis (now Rosas) and Emporion (now the municipality of La Escala).

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The first preliminary results will be clear somewhere in two hours. Within 48 hours, the Catalan government promised to take action to fulfill the will of the citizens of the autonomy. The chairman of the Spanish government, Mariano Rajoy, promised to give his assessment of the events of the day in the near future. Gazeta.Ru will talk about all this in the final material. We are currently interrupting our live stream. Thank you for being with us!

The head of the Spanish government, Mariano Rajoy, has not yet reacted to the events in Catalonia. His deputy, Saenz de Santamaria, called on the Catalan authorities to stop the "farce called a referendum", and also supported the actions of law enforcement officers.

Until the vote is over, the results are not announced, the skirmishes have ceased - a slight lull. It remains only to watch the videos of daytime fights. Here is a combat Catalan of advanced years giving battle to an armored guardsman.

In connection with the clashes, the Catalan authorities extended the voting period until 20:00 (21:00 Moscow time). After that, only those who have already queued at the polling station will be able to vote.

Footage from the match between Barcelona and Las Palmas. The stands of the legendary Camp Nou are empty: for security reasons, spectators were not allowed in.

An iconic image in the history of football: Barcelona v Las Palmas played at an empty Camp Nou as Catalonians fight for independence. pic.twitter.com/vBpKpsTSo8

— CLICKON Soccer (@CLICKONSoccer) October 1, 2017

The almost unanimous silence of European politicians about the events in Catalonia is surprising. There are only gentle calls for an end to the violence from, for example, the leaders of Lithuania and Slovenia. Only the leader of the influential pan-European liberal party "Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe" Guy Verkhovstadt calls on the parties to start negotiating - while emphasizing that this matter is absolutely internal to Spain.

There is a call going around the internet for the empty pots march tonight in squares across the country for freedom and democracy. This is such a rather loud way of protest, traditional for Spanish-speaking countries.

Guardsmen scatter protesters in Barcelona. We have to admit that demonstrations are dispersed in Russia in a more delicate way...

Politicians and public figures around the world express their attitude to the events in Catalonia. It's not so much about independence as it is about police violence. Here is the leader of the British opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, urging the Spanish authorities to do something about this immediately.

In general, throughout Spain they are very actively delineating their position. In Valencia, for example, according to El Pais, about 200 people unfurled a huge Spanish flag in support of the country's unity.

An interesting fact for sociologists. Catalonia is a region within the EU that has voted a lot over the past 30+ years - 47 times. According to this infographic from Spain's El Pais, Catalans have been the most voted Europeans since the fall of the Franco regime. In addition, Catalonia is in the top three in terms of the number of municipal and regional elections held. On average, there were at least one election every year.

Returning to the football theme: Barcelona star and part-time husband of singer Shakira Girard Pique also voted in the referendum. “Already voted. Together we can protect democracy,” he tweeted.

Amid a wave of violence, the Spanish opposition is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The hashtag #RajoyDimisión is gaining popularity on Twitter.

According to the Spanish Ministry of Internal Affairs, today the police and the National Guard liquidated 92 illegal polling stations. By the way, any polling station in Catalonia today is illegal.

The Internet has found another hero of today. Uncle Manuel Cubeles, born in 1920, has survived two dictatorships, one republic and now votes for the secession of Catalonia.

Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau demands an immediate end to police brutality against the local population and reports that more than 460 people have been injured in street fighting.

Over 460 people injured in Catalonia already. As Mayor of BCN I demand an immediate end to police charges against the defenseless population https://t.co/412z6Jacap

— Ada Colau (@AdaColau) October 1, 2017

According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, nine police officers and two representatives of the National Guard were injured in the Catalan clashes.

The Consulate of the Russian Federation in Barcelona told TASS that so far not a single Russian has been injured. We hope that not only “for now”, but also in the future, everything will work out.

Here is one of the most popular video illustrations of how the national police operate in Catalonia. Pretty strong show. The video is actively gaining views and reposts.

On the eve of the referendum, the newspaper El Pais reported that the Spanish police had sealed the buildings of 1,300 of the 2,315 schools in Catalonia that were scheduled to open polling stations. Today, late in the evening, it became known that in fact only 221 polling stations were closed.

A video has surfaced of police clashing with firefighters who arrived at the scene of the clashes, presumably to prevent fires in buildings and cars.

The organizers of the referendum did not hide the pessimistic mood either. Thus, the leader of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC), Jordi Sanchez, previously stated that in the conditions of the "siege" organized by the Spanish government, a turnout of 1 million people would be perceived as a "stunning success". It is clear that in this case the majority of voters will be the most active supporters of independence.

Meanwhile, Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turul said turnout was 50%. This is hard to believe. According to preliminary estimates, about 5.3 million voters can vote on the independence of Catalonia. However, even before the start of the referendum, it was obvious that the pressure from Madrid would have a profound effect on turnout.

Spanish police push back from polling stations those wishing to vote in a referendum

Meanwhile, Twitter users are already nervously joking about where the reaction of the European Commission is. She, as the main political body of the EU, should have spoken out about the referendum, which has already begun to split Spain.

Ekaterina Cherkasova, senior researcher at IMEMO RAS, believes that the situation is developing according to the worst-case scenario and there is no need to talk about any normal voting. “The premises have been sealed, the ballot boxes have been confiscated, the electronic system vote counting. Moreover, since it is blocked, now one person can walk around the polling stations as much as he wants and vote an infinite number of times. It can no longer be called a referendum. This can only be called a simple survey, ”says the interlocutor of Gazeta.Ru.