To reflect and learn from the Independence Catalonian Process

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

7^th  November  2017