On this crucial day for the future of Catalonia, the Republic of Occitania and the Republic of Nice have chosen their stance and want to make their voices heard.
On December 21, Catalonia votes to choose a new parliament, following the dissolution decided by the Spanish state under Article 155 of the Constitution. This vote, imposed by Madrid, is no less important because the stakes are twofold:
– To show that despite everything, the Catalan people and the pro-independence parties remain committed to democracy and will actively participate in this election.
– To hope for the legitimization of the referendum by attempting to secure a broad victory for pro-independence parties or those in favor of the right to self-determination.
The Federal Republic of Occitania condemns the underhanded maneuvers of the Spanish state, which does everything to disrupt the campaign of pro-independence parties by keeping ERC president Oriol Junqueras in prison, as well as the presidents of the ANC and Òmnium associations (the two Jòrdis), and by forcing the president of the Generalitat, Carles Puigdemont, to remain in exile in Belgium.
Another deceit of the Spanish government: the vote was scheduled in the middle of the week (a Thursday and not a Sunday as usual) in hopes of increasing abstention to the benefit of the four unionist electoral lists. Moreover, the streets and metro corridors of Barcelona are covered with posters from pro-Madrid parties (Popular Party and Ciutadans) while the color yellow is banned as it alludes to the defense of political prisoners. This is a psychological manipulation worthy of an authoritarian regime.
The RFÒC still holds hope and confidence in the ability of the Catalan people to mobilize and assert their voice and their will to determine their own future.
Long live Catalonia! Long live freedom and democracy!
With courage and determination,
Ciril Joanin, President of the Federal Republic of Occitania/ Cristòu Daurore, President of the Republic of Nice
