The Independence Movement of Catalonia

Abstract

This article examines the Catalonia independence movement by studying the historical background, violence at different stages of the movement, the relationship between the independence movement and the constitution, people's reasons for supporting independence, and the current situation. The special significance of the Catalonia independence movement is because Catalonia is part of Spain, which has many similarities with Thailand. (A new democratic country - about 50 years / a constitutional monarchy system of government / there is an article in the constitution prohibiting separatism)

Currently, the Spanish government uses legislation to ban referendums on independence and imprisons organizers of the referendums on charges of treason because it violates the constitution.  The independence movement, therefore, raised questions about the constitution itself. The question asked to the Constitutional Court was, since Article 1 of the constitution states that Spain is a democracy, therefore, how can organizing a referendum on independence based on the right to self-determination (which is part of democratic principles) go against the constitution?  Article 2, saying that Spain is a single state and cannot be divided, shows that the constitution is inconsistent, and must be corrected at this point.

The findings of this study of the struggle for independence in Catalonia are that when independence movements have political space, and there is an open internal debate over the question of independence, violent groups pushing for independence gradually dissipate. The violence that remains comes from emotional outbursts during the debate.