To reflect and learn
from the Independence
Catalonian Process
On Principles:
1.
People’s right to define its own
future is
an essential one, and existing norms or legal impediments should not be used to
repress or constraint this fundamental right.
2.
All kind of violence must be
avoided by all parties, as it never solves the problems to be addressed and
create more radicalism and unforgettable facts that will create hate and
revenge feelings that will last for decades.
3.
Emotional feelings and rational thoughts need to get a balance in
whatever decision is made about the shape of an independent State. Reconciling
emotions and logic is crucial to make a long term sustainable independent State
in whatever form is agreed
On Process:
4.
Artificial alliances do no work. Forced political
coalitions do not work and create internal tensions threatening to break
down internally the political parties involved. (e.g.: CUP and PDeCat are
ideologically completely different parties, having one single point in common
that brought them together: independence; but also the understanding of what
means independence was different for both parties).
5.
Civil Society Organisations are a corner stone into
the broader political process; interaction with them, coordination, as well as
setting clear differences between them and political parties should be
strategically managed. Mobilization of civil society, (demonstrations and other
acts) is more effectively done from Civil Society Organisations than from
Political Parties.
6.
Communication and mass media, is one of the most
powerful mind shaping tools in this kind of extreme political processes. Access
to independent and objective mass media is crucial for a healthy and
transparent process.
7.
Dialogue among parties in conflict should be a
must. Mutual knowledge, direct interaction with affected populations, active
listening, knowing the reality with direct presence and interaction on the
ground, are essential to create conditions for dialogue.
Arguments of the other side should
never being underestimated or ignored. There is always a reason why people,
organisations and parties think and act as they do.
8.
There should be a well defined and
agreed vision and model of what an independent State looks like. Minimal
policies should be set before any definitive step forward takes place. This
should include at least:
a.
Citizenship understanding
b.
Social model
c.
Role of the state and civil society
d.
Economic model
e.
Decentralization model
9.
Influential moral leaders
should always contribute in a constructive facilitative and timely manner, and
refrain from pointing out right or wrong positions.
10. The
International community should engage and handle carefully these processes,
avoiding setting impossible frameworks for parties in conflict.
11. A negotiated
process is unavoidable at a certain moment. Mediation should be part of the
negotiated process
12. Solutions
and agreement should have a long term perspective not just a short “quick
fix” approach that will not solve problems and may even make them more
difficult.
13. Historical
arguments
should be used to set the landscape of the problem, but should not frame the
solution of those, as frequently they are blockers and grievances reminders
rather than solution tools. (e.g.: referring to the Constitution of 1978 as
something that is untouchable, or going back to the abuses of Spanish Kingdom
over Catalans in the XVIII century, etc.)
On Implementation:
14. Independence
referendum
should be negotiated with all parties involved. The affected population should
be consulted with simple and clear questions. The right to access objective
information should be guaranteed. Referendum should be internationally
monitored and according with international standards, to ensure, transparency,
and reliability of the results.
15. Economic
feasibility is
something to be ensured and worked out well in advance of any independence
declaration. Independence means political self determination but also
economical self-reliance. This requires involving all economic sectors, such as
business people, chambers of commerce, trade unions, etc .
16. Political
acts and decisions should take into account their consequences not only
the legitimate principles that may back those decisions. (e.g.: Catalonian Government declaring independence
without assessing the reaction of Catalan enterprises; or Central government
facilitating the running away of Catalan enterprises outside Catalonia, which
now seems to be very difficult to revert)
Fernando Almansa López
7th November 2017
