CATALONIA | Is Independence Finished?

Is Catalonia’s quest for independence now over? Catalonia’s independence movement has faced significant setbacks since the failed declaration of independence in 2017. Since then, support for independence has dwindled. Recent polls show a decline from 49% to as low as 30%. However, as tens of thousands still demonstrate in favour of independence, has the independence movement really been defeated? Historically, Catalonia’s distinct identity has persisted through various political changes, from medieval autonomy to suppression under Franco and regained autonomy post-1975. In 2006, it gained extra powers of self-rule./ However, after these were challenged by the Spanish Supreme Court in 2020, popular support for independence grew rapidly. This eventually resulted in a referendum and unilateral declaration of Independence in 2017. This failed disastrously. The Spanish government swiftly regained control, leading to the exile of key leaders and the suspension of Catalonia’s autonomy. Since then, the movement has remained weak and divided. Moreover, the recent regional elections in 2024 saw anti-independence parties gaining ground - suggesting a “new era”, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. However, the strong regional identity and unresolved grievances with the Spanish government continue to fuel the desire for independence among many Catalans. While the immediate prospects for statehood appear dim, the underlying sentiment for independence endures, keeping the debate alive in Catalonia’s political landscape. *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:44 Independence Movements and Catalonia 01:45 Catalonia: Location and Population 02:25 A Short History of Catalonia 03:32 Catalonia in Modern Spanish History 04:43 The Growth of Catalonia’s Independence Movement 06:01 Catalonia’s Declaration of Independence 07:58 The Decline of Catalonia’s Pro-Independence Movement 11:12 Is Catalonia’s Independence Effort Over? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Government of Spain Government of Catalonia 2006 Statute of Autonomy Spanish Supreme Court | 2015 Catalonia Referendum Ruling 259 - 2015 9N (English).pdf 2017 Declaration of Independence *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAP CONTENT* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Catalonia #Spain #Independence