Spanish unionists stage mass rally in Barcelona
- 7 years ago
We are all Catalonia – the cry of tens of thousands of people who took the streets of Barcelona in support of a unified Spain.
The government says more than million joined the march. Local police say 300,000; highlighting the depth of division in Catalonia itself. Either way, it’s been one of the biggest demonstrations against the region’s separatist leaders.
“We’ve set December 21st as a date to vote en mass and I am convinced that more Catalans will defend the unity of Spain than those who stand for its separation. It is our great opportunity, after 35 years of nationalism, now it is up to us, now our time has come and the Citizens party (Ciudadanos) are ready for it,” party leader Albert Riviera told euronews.
Spaniards today in the center of Barcelona beating Catalans.None arrested.All normal; autonomy has been suspended pic.twitter.com/zlIZEdTr1b— Help Catalonia (@CataloniaHelp2) October 29, 2017
Another demonstrator explained to euronews why she felt compelled to come out: “I was two when I came to Catalonia and I feel I’m from here. I am Andalusian, I don’t have to hide it and I like to live with the Catalans but independence can not be allowed. It is something that has been planned for many years and everything is based on many lies.”
Our correspondent in Catalonia Francisco Fuentes says the huge march in favour of Spanish unity marks the beginning of an intense week.
“The next moves of Catalonia’s pro- independence parties are uncertain while on the legal front, we’re expecting the first punitive steps to be taken initiatives against those responsible for the unilateral declaration of independence.
Spaniards today in the center of Barcelona beating Catalans.None arrested.All normal; autonomy has been suspended pic.twitter.com/zlIZEdTr1b— Help Catalonia (@CataloniaHelp2) October 29, 2017
The government says more than million joined the march. Local police say 300,000; highlighting the depth of division in Catalonia itself. Either way, it’s been one of the biggest demonstrations against the region’s separatist leaders.
“We’ve set December 21st as a date to vote en mass and I am convinced that more Catalans will defend the unity of Spain than those who stand for its separation. It is our great opportunity, after 35 years of nationalism, now it is up to us, now our time has come and the Citizens party (Ciudadanos) are ready for it,” party leader Albert Riviera told euronews.
Spaniards today in the center of Barcelona beating Catalans.None arrested.All normal; autonomy has been suspended pic.twitter.com/zlIZEdTr1b— Help Catalonia (@CataloniaHelp2) October 29, 2017
Another demonstrator explained to euronews why she felt compelled to come out: “I was two when I came to Catalonia and I feel I’m from here. I am Andalusian, I don’t have to hide it and I like to live with the Catalans but independence can not be allowed. It is something that has been planned for many years and everything is based on many lies.”
Our correspondent in Catalonia Francisco Fuentes says the huge march in favour of Spanish unity marks the beginning of an intense week.
“The next moves of Catalonia’s pro- independence parties are uncertain while on the legal front, we’re expecting the first punitive steps to be taken initiatives against those responsible for the unilateral declaration of independence.
Spaniards today in the center of Barcelona beating Catalans.None arrested.All normal; autonomy has been suspended pic.twitter.com/zlIZEdTr1b— Help Catalonia (@CataloniaHelp2) October 29, 2017