Catalonia endorses autonomy plan (BBC) {interesting doings in Spain}

[eppur_se_muova]

Catalan voters have backed plans to give their region greater independence from Madrid.

Around 75% of voters backed the autonomy plans in a referendum held in the region, results showed.

The result means Catalonia, in the north-east, will become one of Europe's most independent regions.

The plan includes giving Catalans more tax revenues and a greater say over how that money is spent, as well as more control over airports and immigration.

It was backed by the Spanish government, Catalonia's ruling Socialists and moderate nationalists - but opposed by both the conservative Popular Party and by leftists who favoured outright independence.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5091572.stm

This is something a lot of people have been watching for ... as national gov'ts give up much of their sovereignty to the EU, will fractious regions which have been barely held in check agitate for independence? The big question (and mentioned in the article) is the Basques. Modern Spain, France, Italy, and Germany were all formed by amalgamation of smaller provinces, often not very willingly. Under the EU, these smaller regions might actually become more independent of the 'middle level' national govt's. While there is potential for violence and rebellion, there is also a lot of opportunity to relieve tensions peacefully. It will be interesting to watch. For some of the 'stateless' languages/cultures, it may mean a new promise of survival.

[many a good man]

1. Pioneering a new model: decentralized city-states in unions of convenience

If there's anyone I trust to pioneer this new form of democratic governmental relations, its the Catalanes. They pride themselves on doing things right and doing them the smart way. The nation-state is a relic of the past and should be replaced by more decentralized power. These small regional powers will band together in concentric circles of cooperation to ensure that government is responsible to the people. Catalunya allies with Spain which allies with EU, which allows with UN, etc. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Isn't that closer to the ancient Greek model?

Maybe there really is nothing new under the Sun.

[USA_1]

3. SECESSION!

That's precisely what we need here in Minnesota!

Once we do that we'll be free of Bush's deficits and can be at Peace with the world! :)

[Hardrada]

4. Take us with you

says an Iowan. We too want out, or should want out.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Barcelona is the main city in Catalan

They have their own dialect, distinct from, but still similar to, Castillian(?) Spanish. It was Franco, if I recall correctly, who made them assimilate into the larger Spain, But as you say, their inclination is to be independent.