A local history teacher, who favours remaining part of Spain, gives his views on the difficulties surrounding the independence referendum.
The Spanish media are calling them ‘the silent majority’. Catalan citizens who oppose independence from Spain have arguably not been in the public eye as much as the independentists, whose rallies have had a huge following. Yet, they may not necessarily be in the minority. In the last officially-recognised regional elections, two years ago, votes for pro- and anti-secession parties were almost tied.
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Danish public television interviewed a local history teacher, who favours remaining in Spain.
“The problem is not between the Spanish government and the Catalan government. The problem is between one half of the Catalan people and the other half”, José Alsina explained.
“Every time you mention this subject it will be followed by an awkward silence… Of course people are afraid. We’ve seen politicians attacked at their homes.”
The regional government claims 90 percent of people who voted were in favour of secession from Spain. However, turnout is estimated at between just 37 and 42 percent
Those who wish to remain tied to Spain say they believe it is the right thing to do from both an economic and historic perspective.