Letter addressed to the authors of the joint editorial of Catalan daily newspapers published last Thursday, 26 November 2009

After reading some of the statements in this editorial – which, in fact, is a genuine manifesto – expressed with complete freedom, no one, neither here nor in Madrid (or elsewhere in Spain) could ignore its import, or the rights of Catalonia. You say “There is concern in Catalonia and all Spain needs to know it. There is something other than concern. There is growing weariness for having to bear the irritation of those who continue to perceive the Catalan identity (institutions, economic structure, language and cultural tradition) as a manufacturing flaw that hinders Spain from attaining an imagined and impossible uniformity. The Catalans pay their taxes (without foral privileges); they contribute with their effort to the transfer of income to poorer Spain, they tackle the shift to an internationalised economy without the enjoying the substantial benefits provided by having the status of a capital; they speak a language that has a higher demographic influence than that of various official languages of the European Union, a language that, instead of being admired, is so often submitted to the obsessive scrutiny of official Spanish centralism. And they observe the law, naturally, without renouncing their peaceful and tested capacity of civic restraint.” And it concludes, “Today, the Catalan people think, above all, of their dignity, this should be remembered.”  With few words, clear and without reticence, the editorial enumerates the main aspirations of the Catalan people.

Moreover, «The dignity of Catalonia» is an excellent title. Because Catalonia has problems: in funding, in the respect for its statuary powers, in the fair treatment regarding her infrastructures, and so forth, but also, and above all, in gaining recognition of her identity and her role within the state. Furthermore, she has, at present, a particularly serious problem with the lack of respect shown for her own dignity. In Catalonia, people must know that a country that has been given a rough ride in terms of dignity will eventually be ignored by all.

And now they know. But perhaps Spain still believes that the Catalans are little more than Phoenicians, when the truth is that Catalonia has had and still has an attitude and a policy that demonstrates an ample solidarity.

We must believe that this editorial will have an impact. Yet we do not know if it will be enough to prevent an overt and blunt assault on the will of the Catalan Parliament, the Spanish parliament and the Catalan people, expressed in a referendum.

Or to prevent their aspirations being ignored, “without their realising it”, as Madrid has so often done.

If it has little or no effect, it will lead to everything that the editorial of the Catalan dailies forecasts: the annulment of the truly all-embracing and respectful spirit, without deceit or subterfuge, of the Spanish diversity and acceptation of what Catalonia is and what she means.

We mentioned this two days prior to the publication of the joint editorial in our Foundation’s bulletin. The title is sad and bitter, since it could not be otherwise: «Espriu’s failure». Or the failure of the bull-hide? Or that of the Sepharad”? or the failure of Catalonia? Or the failure of all?

Catalonia did not face the end of the dictatorship and the emergence of democracy, and indeed the historic change – truly historic– which that meant, merely with a political programme, or with an attitude of bypassing it, but with an in depth proposal, also political, but especially ethical, with modernising and generous values, with genuine solidarity and fraternity.

A proposal that in all its substance could not be expressed enough through mere political language, but needed also to be expressed philosophically, poetically and through values. Espriu did this by speaking of Sepharad in “The Bull-Hide". It had a positive and warm reception in Catalonia. Yet things have reached a point in which, without beating about the bush, we must speak of Espriu’s failure. And that of many of us. Unless there is a last minute reaction to address the situation.

The editorial of the twelve Catalan newspapers might help to make it possible. But it also calls for a radical change from Spain, in its political and intellectual outlook and in its basic approaches. With a swift response through deeds Swift and with unequivocal clarity and effectiveness for it to be credible. And this looks highly improbable.

We should however express our gratitude to the promoters and authors of the joint Catalan newspaper editorial for their initiative, conducted with such elegance, clarity and conciseness, yet, at the same time, balanced exigency.

In any event – and here I insist – a change of attitude must mainly come from Spain. And this time, it cannot be based on deceit and soothing words. Nor on the stereotypes of a distorted image of Catalonia, on false solidarity (“Solidarity must be practised only with third-party assets”), or on envy and the irresponsible and unhelpful attitude of “autonomy by grovelling”.

Is it possible? Or are Espriu and his spirit definitively dead and buried? In appearances, it would seem so. It all appears to indicate it is. But I would like to know your opinion and that of anyone else capable of moving public opinion.  Here we feel very betrayed. There it feels very hostile.

Whatever the outcome, congratulations for the editorial, and thank you.


Sincerely yours,