Catalan independence crisis: Spain, Europe braced as region votes

BARCELONA, Spain — For Roger Heredia, the battle for Catalan independence began generations ago.

His great-grandfather fought and died in 1938 at the hands of forces loyal to Spain's Gen. Francisco Franco. Under Franco's dictatorship, from 1939 to 1975, Catalonia's distinct culture, language and separatist aspirations were suppressed.

Heredia and other hard-line secessionists believe the mistreatment of Catalans continues to this day.

“The transition from Franco to democracy was a farce — a lie,” said Heredia, who is running as a separatist candidate in Thursday's Catalan elections with his ancestor in mind.

Voters in the regional parliamentary election will have a choice between parties that seek an independent state, or at least more autonomy, and unionists that favor remaining within Spain. Polls show the two sides running neck and neck.

The prospect of Catalan independence threatens the integrity of Spain and is sending jitters throughout Europe. E.U. leaders fear an independent Catalonia might encourage separatist movements elsewhere in the bloc.

Voting appeared to be proceeding peacefully so far, in contrast to an Oct. 1 independence referendum that drew a violent response from Spanish police and clashes at polling stations.

Months of uncertainty have already had economic ramifications for the region, which accounts for roughly a fifth of Spain's economy. But analysts say the vote is unlikely to settle questions of independence.

Potentially fractious coalition talks await separatists if they secure a parliamentary majority, with divisions over how to proceed. A win for the unionist parties would deal a significant blow to the independence movement, but likely not quash the separatists' aspirations.

Declaring independence would be like “jumping into the vacuum,” said Josep Borrell — an anti-independence Catalan, Spanish politician and former president of the European Parliament.

Borrell said he identified as both Spanish and Catalan.

Analysts said the independence struggle may have even served to strengthen Spanish nationalism, with gains anticipated for the anti-independence Citizens Party.

Separatists and those who seek more autonomy say they want to wrest control from the national government in Madrid. They argue the region contributes more to Madrid than it receives, and say it should have more fiscal autonomy and control over key infrastructure projects. (ontinueReading