Catalonia's Independence Vote

[US 41]

81% that voted in the election voted yes. I'm not too sure why Catalonia wants independence, since they would still have open borders with Spain and France. Taxes and the language issue are probably the biggest reasons. When I went to Barcelona in the spring, I had heard that Catalonia wanted independence. Spain stated that the election was illegal and that they will not recognize the results and that Catalonia will remain part of Spain.

[DandyDan]

Catalonia has wanted independence since long before Franco came to power.  I think it gives them something to whine about.  Not only that, but I hope they realize that the end of Barcelona (the soccer team) begins when that happens.

[english si]

I'm not too sure why Catalonia wants independence

here's a big reason why

Spain stated that the election was illegal and that they will not recognize the results and that Catalonia will remain part of Spain.

Catalonia would argue that the open borders and EU aid their independence as they don't divide families, cause trade issues, or need a new currency. Scotland's almost successful independence bid made it clear the currency wasn't changing (despite being told they wouldn't be allowed to keep the pound officially), they would stay in the EU (despite being told they would have to reapply and that they were taking new members) and that the border wouldn't be awkward (based on keeping the UK opt out of Schengen).

Unlike Scotland, Catalonia was invaded by the Castillians and conquered. And also unlike Scotland, they are being dragged down economically by the rest of the country.

There's no reason for Catalonia to form a new FA and football league if they don't want to. Or Barcelona could be like Cardiff, Swansea, Vaduz, Berwick, TNS, etc and play in a different countries' league despite their being in a country with their own FA. Given they have tons of money and will get into the Champions League group stages automatically, they could just play in a Catalan league that's weaker - Celtic, Porto and others have won it from a crap league that they usually cakewalk to first or second. I'm not sure that players would care that they aren't playing in a league where the difference in class is less, given guaranteed Champions League football and a good chance of winners medal.