Public spiritedness, determination, responsibility

Esther Vera
2 min
Carles Puigdemont en el discurs d'investidura com a president de la Generalitat, al Parlament / MANOLO GARCÍA

Today Catalonia’s independence process enters a new, critical phase. It does so with the referendum convened by the Government of Catalonia through a law passed by Parliament. It does so with a fresh wave of massive, flawless public support at a critical moment in time. And also with the full weight of the Spanish state ready to carry out reprisals. Now is the time when public spiritedness, determination and responsibility ought to be indispensable elements guiding the actions of those who favour independence. Public spiritedness to demonstrate, as often as necessary, the democratic nature of those who want a referendum in which people can vote yes or no. Public spiritedness, also so as not to rise to the bait or lose sight of the enemy, and thereby proving Aznar right with his poisonous prophecy of a sectarian divide within Catalan society.

The determination to stand firm on the side of democracy and those who defend it.

The responsibility held by each of us to carry out our duties to the best of our ability. With substance, determination and clarity.

It will not be easy for the Spanish government to prevent the ballot boxes from being put in place on the first of October. But it will do everything in its power to prevent the referendum from going ahead. By everything I mean everything. Naivety would be a mistake. If it weren’t such a disgrace, the sight of Spain’s gendarmerie chasing ballot papers and ballot boxes would be comical.

It is the time for public spiritedness, determination, responsibility and intelligence. More firmness and courage than mere gestures. More looking at the long term than the short term. Yesterday the public sent a new unequivocal message of support to President Puigdemont and Parliament. Those who try to underestimate it, once again, are making a mistake.

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