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In Catalonia prepares for a vote that could redraw the map of Spain, Jon Henley is looking for stories of ordinary people. In Barcelona, ??speaks to those who defy the clamor separatist

Catalan independence - an interactive journey

It is very easy to meet people of Catalonia who are willing to talk freely about their opposition to independence. The discourse of independence tends to dominate the media and many public conversations. As Donal Quinn, who lives in Barcelona and works in a business school here, he said, those who oppose radical change "feel threatened by those who lead change making them much less vocal -. Especially if they feel independence will happen anyway, and there could be a kind of reaction against that became public in their opposition to it. "Some who speak:

Silvia Galup

, 38, "typical of the middle class" Barcelonina gal "

"My experience is sufficient Catalan'm Catalan and proud of it too - .. But to be honest, I do not think that defines me more than being Spanish or European, even, in fact, like to think that my points leftist political views I define something as random as my birthplace .

"Right now, I see it all the rage independence with a mixture of sadness, anger and frustration. Sadness because I do not understand how my people can not forget the tragic consequences of the economic crisis interests flag angry because I see nothing but a hypocritical interest in the independence of Mas [President] Artur and his team ( to win: nobody talks about corruption, welfare cuts and pain in this campaign). . and frustration because I have all day to deal with separatists: if you're not with them, you're against them (On the other hand, as I feel insulted by the Catalan nationalists accusing Spanish Catalonia sick a lot)

"I am ashamed when I hear my friends - intelligent and educated people of Spanish" oppression ", and the urgent need for freedom of Catalonia, but I also feel embarrassed when I ' Spanish nationalists hear fans .. Catalonia as a land without liberty is insulting, in fact, that people who grew up in freedom and democracy speaks of the lack of freedom - especially when you think about the suffering under the dictatorship of Franco Catalonia is a wonderful country. Barcelona is a beautiful city. But there is nothing more fun and not easy to think differently. And I hate to say it. "

Pau Girl, business communications specialist with the Centre for Research and Innovation of Catalonia

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"I am absolutely against the independence of Catalonia, but I am in favor of a federal" independence "of the Spanish regions is not a new issue in the political life of my country, but why now is simple: while political expediency is the key - instead of dealing with the economic crisis, the ruling party realized that the focus of the debate on the identity and sovereignty something emotional was the easiest way to lose control - .. it is true that the current model does not work anymore Spanish This situation must be resolved, and the economic crisis pushes things in this direction

"For me, Catalonia is a region with a strong sense of identity in relation to other regions of Spain. However, is only one of many Spanish regions, all with different identities. While tensions between these regions continue to increase, and the current system is clearly insufficient to resolve this internal conflict, it is clear that we need a change - and every citizen sees the elections as a very important debate on the model of identity, sovereignty and territorial current Spain. I think it's time for a new territorial model that will give the opportunity to Catalonia greater autonomy in governance - .. but without breaking relations with Spain, which is how I will vote on Sunday "

Maria Gonzalez, recently returned to his native Barcelona after spending several years in the United Kingdom

"I am a Catalan who has lived in the UK for several years, and returned to Barcelona for 18 months -., But I'm ready to leave the country again, the recession has played a role in this area, but nationalism (or patriotism) is also a very large piece. since the background is also important ethnological Catalonia these days, I must say that I was born a Catalan, but my parents come from other parts of Spain. 'Ve lived here for 50. years Our voice does not seem to be as important as the voice of "pure Catalan" Disgusting as it may seem, is a term I heard recently:. saying a word against the independence of Catalonia and attacked because his name is Sanchez or Lopez.

"It is not that the Spanish nationalist parties have not helped. This is a situation that was further enhanced by the two parties. Catalan nationalism but has also played its part. ' I managed to spread hatred of Spanish nationalism (nationalism should all be hated!) hatred of all things Spanish. then appealed to the pride of the Catalan language

poble [ people].

"As an ordinary citizen who does not care about nationalism, it's hopeless. Certainly, I am not raising my children in a country full of hatred and chauvinism.'m Very sad that most of the population of Catalonia (which could not have less in common with the concept of "pure Catalan ') supports these ideas. People change, changing, and culture is constantly in motion. Trying to keep" pure "concept of culture is very, very dangerous."

Carlos Martinez, 38, was born in Barcelona and has lived in the city until 2005

"I recognize some cultural and historical differences between distinctive development of the Spanish regions, but this has not been a problem until recently. While some Catalan nationalist politicians began to see the rest of Spain as a state operated and steal the Catalans and deprives them of their right historical 12th century as a kingdom.

"The situation deteriorated rapidly as a result of the global crisis. Catalan nationalists say the vast majority of Catalans want to be independent, but the truth is that since September 2009, polls showed an average of 20% participation. enormous independence demonstration in September shows how politicians and the media manipulate people People subsidized. are generally reluctant to get their own information and rarely compare sources. This, along with the stations television, radio and newspapers are speakers of regional government, has disabled its judgment. oppose Try them and you'll soon
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