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Please direct all questions to [email protected] A NOTE

Julia Clark Chair

Estimats Diputats del Parlament de Catalunya, Dear Diputats of the Parliament of Catalonia,

My name is Julia Clark and I’ll be serving as your Chair for the Parliament of Catalonia. I cannot wait to meet all of you in February. Time is of the essence and the Catalan Republic needs creating!

As for a little bit about myself: MUN is my life! Last year, I served on the AmeriMUNC Secretariat as the Charges D’Affaires and currently I am an Assistant Head Delegate of the AU Model United Nations competitive travel team. I have done MUN for seven years, competing at 24 conferences across the US and Canada, and I once chaired a conference in the Netherlands! I’m proud to say that AmeriMUNC will be my eighth time chairing. Outside of MUN, I am also the President of my sorority, Phi Mu. If you have any questions about greek life or collegiate MUN, I’d love to chat via email or at the conference.

I’m personally very excited to be forming our own new nation, the Catalan Republic. I just studied abroad for four months in Madrid, Spain and was at the center of the real life action surrounding the Catalan independence movement. In Madrid, the capital of Spain, I was primarily exposed to pro-Spanish unity sentiment. However, I was in Barcelona (the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia) when they “declared their independence” on October 27, 2017, so I was able to experience the Catalan celebration. Two days later, I experienced a counter-protest that supported Spanish unity. The country is divisive and divided; it will take skill, negotiation, and thorough deliberation to see our cause move forward! I can’t wait to see what you all bring to the table.

Here is a video I made about my experience in Catalonia on October 26-29, 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygod-h2F9NA&feature=share

I am absolutely thrilled to be back serving as a Chair this year. Last year I missed working closely with delegates like you because it simply is one of the most rewarding experiences. I know that this year’s AmeriMUNC is going to the best ever thanks to the enormous effort put in by the entire staff. See you in February. ¡Independència i revolució!

With gratitude,

Julia Clark Chair, Parliament of Catalonia [email protected]

Page 2 | AmeriMUNC V // CATALONIA sources, “approximately 40% of the Spanish population after the Puerto Rican and Cuban flags, both of which live in areas with two official languages [and] about 28% represent countries that fought against the Spanish live in regions with Catalan as the official language.”[3] monarchy.[5] Catalan can be thought of as somewhat similar to Castilian Spanish but with heavy influence from French, Sardinian, Italian, Romanian, and other romance languages. It’s important to note that Catalan is an independent language, and not a dialect of Spanish, as often assumed. The use of the Catalan language was banned during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship in Spain during the 20th century; even private telephone calls had to be conducted in Castilian Spanish. After Franco’s death, Catalan was made the official language of Catalonia. In 1983, it was made legal to teach Catalan in schools.[4]

Flags For your reference, the Spanish flag is as follows:

Historical Origins of the Catalan Independence Movement Most history relating to the Catalan question begins after 1978. It is crucial to understand that Spain was under a military dictatorship under General Francisco Franco from 1939 until his death in 1975. During this dictatorship, the entirety of Spain was oppressed, especially Catalonia, as exemplified by the banning of the Catalan language. After Franco’s death, Catalonia was granted autonomy and prospered with the rest of Spain. Due to high levels of tourism, business activity, and investment, Catalonia has gained the most economic clout in Spain. Although Catalonia received more autonomy in 2006, this progress was backtracked in 2010 due to various rulings by the The Senyera, pictured below, is the official flag of the Spanish Constitutional Court. When the 2008 financial Spanish Autonomous Communities of Catalonia, Aragón, crisis hit and public spending initiatives were cut in the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and the historically Catalan- Catalonia, secession movements gained momentum. speaking city of Alghero in Sardinia: Later in 2014, the Catalan Parliament petitioned the Spanish government, asking to hold a referendum to ask Catalan citizens two questions: “Do you want Catalonia to become a State?", and if so, "Do you want this State to be independent?" Although seemingly similar questions, both had distinct meanings; the first question refers to Catalonia existing as a state doesn’t necessarily imply that the state would be independent, whereas the second question asks if Catalonia did become a state, if that state would be independent or still be tied to Spain. In the way these questions were asked at the polls, the second question was only asked if the first question was answered as “yes” by the voter.

However, the Spanish government ruled this entire referendum unconstitutional and did not allow it to be The L'Estelada, pictured below, is the the pro-Catalan voted upon. In order to circumvent the court ruling of independence flag. As you can see, there is a blue chevron unconstitutionality, the Catalan government changed the and white star that is added to the traditional Senyera flag referendum from “binding” to a “non-binding seen above. The blue chevron and white star are modeled consultation”. The court also banned this, but the Page 3 | AmeriMUNC V // CATALONIA

By the Map The Regions of Spain

CATALONIA

MADRID Page 4 | AmeriMUNC V // CATALONIA

The 90% pro- independence result must not be taken at face value due to the low voter turnout rate and the non- participation of anti- independence voters.

referendum occurred anyway on November 9, 2014, Cultural Rhetoric & Economics ultimately resulting in the arrest of various Catalan Culturally, Spain differs on many levels in different government officials that made the referendum occur. geographic regions. In light of the Catalonian Then, with new Catalan President Carles Puigdemont in independence question, there has been an enormous power, he declared a binding referendum would occur for amount of rhetoric going back and forth about the independence; this referendum was held recently on differences between these regions. October 1, 2017 with a result of 90% in favor of independence, based off of a 43% voter turnout. However, An important region to note besides Catalonia is Catalan parties that were anti-independence called for non- Andalucia. Andalucia is the Southern portion of Spain, and participation in the referendum in order to not recognize is best known for attractions in cities such as Sevilla, the referendum as legitimate. The 90% pro-independence Granada, and Cordoba. Andalucia, due to Arab occupation result must not be taken at face value due to the low voter for about 700 years, was the first place in Spain inhabited turnout rate and the non-participation of anti-independence by Arabs and the last to be inhabited by Spain; because of voters. this, Andalucia features many Arab cultural elements from this historical backdrop. For example, many state that the For a great summary of the Catalan question, this Youtube Andalusian way of life is much slower than other parts of video is highly recommended. It covers everything up until Spain like in Madrid or Catalonia. With this, pro-Catalan October 25, 2017: independence voices have been known to paint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd-G4xhjrok Andalusians as lazy and not economical productive for the rest of Spain. Some see Andalusians, as well as the rest of In order to cover the very important weekend of October Spain, as “sucking dry” what Catalonia provides 26-29, 2017, your Chair, Julia, produced the following economically to the rest of the country. video from when she was in Barcelona during this time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygod- Controversially, Artur Mas, President of the Catalan h2F9NA&feature=share Democratic Party, in 2012 stated that “the cultural DNA of Catalans is intertwined with our long belonging to the

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Franco-Germanic world… something must endure in our turnout if a future vote were ever taken? Although a vote DNA, because we Catalans have an umbilical cord that with a higher turnout of the population would be seen as makes us more Germanic than Roman”.[6] These sorts of more legitimate in the eyes of many, would the result still attempts and statements to distance Catalans from the rest be primarily pro-independence or would it be diluted by of Spain show the messaging and cultural rhetoric that has many anti-independence voters? The role of public opinion been occurring recently. How does cultural rhetoric play is huge in this topic and it must be considered how various into this topic, and can you use it to your advantage or will leaders and politicians can influence public opinion and it backfire? voter turnout through various methods for various purposes. Although much of the Catalan reasoning for the desire for independence is identity-based, many pro-independence Formation of a New State supporters cite economic motive. Many Catalans are A major issue that must be addressed is the idea of frustrated with the taxation and spending policies that international recognition. According to widely accepted Catalonia are required to comply with, because they feel law of international relations, for a state to exist, it must be that they give too much to the rest of Spain and don’t get recognized by other states. Catalonia is facing extreme enough in return. People refer to this as the “fiscal deficit” hardship with this element because most countries in the between Catalonia and the whole of Spain. The graphic world will not recognize Catalonia as its own country; this below displays how powerful Catalonia is economically, would be seen as a betrayal to the Spanish government and and how it contributes a lot to Spain despite not necessarily would most likely result in the severing of ties between being the most populous region.[7] that nation and Spain. Politically, economically, and socially it is very unlikely that the international community Referendums, Voting, and Constitutionality would recognize Catalonia for this very reason. A dilemma not just experienced by Catalonia but also by most countries holding votes is the dilemma of low voter Delegates must consider what steps would need to occur in turnout. The referendum vote in October 2017 experienced the formation of the Catalan Republic to garner only a 43% voter turnout.[8] By comparison, voter turnout international support from various European Union for past presidential elections in Spain often hover around member states and other international players as well. The 58-60%.[9] It is known that in the realm of referendums, United States, for example, deliberately doesn’t take an especially independence referendums, that the people who official stance on this issue because it is seen to be an actually vote are more often the people that want a change internal matter. However, if the situation did require a to occur (in this case, pro-independence), whereas a silent stance, it is likely that the US would favor unity over majority of non-voters support keeping the status quo of secession, as it did with the United Kingdom during the the situation. A perfect example of this was the Brexit vote, Scottish Referendum.[10] in which supporters of the Brexit voted in the referendum in significantly higher rates than those opposed to Brexit. How does this phenomenon relate to Catalonia? Would the It is interesting the note the similarities between other parts Catalan question benefit or be hurt by a higher voter of Europe and Catalonia in their efforts of fighting for

Page 6 | AmeriMUNC V // CATALONIA independence. Scotland, for example, has been known to Argument against Independence be one of the more supportive players regarding Catalan Besides the issue of constitutionality and international independence, because they themselves have historical and recognition, there are many arguments from the Catalan modern aspects that mirror this struggle.[11] It may be perspective against this proposition. In many video interesting for delegates to evaluate any international interviews with pro-union protesters, people often note that players that could be helpful in the fight for Catalan they feel proud to be both Catalan and Spanish, and that Republic. the division doesn’t do anything but hurt this dual-identity. Additionally, many pro-union supporters note that the Another country to consider in Russia. It is clear through creation of a new country goes against the entire premise various recent political happenings that Russia is trying to of what the European Union stands for, and they realize benefit from the destabilization of the United States and that Spain would most likely block any and all attempts of Europe. In fact, “"Propaganda campaigns" intended to Catalonia trying to join the EU. According to a Catalan law destabilize Spain came from Russian territory and Venezuela,” according to Spanish intelligence sources, Argument against Independence suggesting that Russia and Venezuela (or people in those Besides the issue of constitutionality and international locations) could have been involved in the spread of fake recognition, there are many arguments from the Catalan headlines to stir up pro-independence public opinion. Some perspective against this proposition. In many video of the news headlines included "EU officials supported the interviews with pro-union protesters, people often note that violence in Catalonia" and "Global powers prepare ground they feel proud to be both Catalan and Spanish, and that for war in Europe,” both of which were spread after the the division doesn’t do anything but hurt this dual-identity. October 2017 referendum. Could Russia provide support Additionally, many pro-union supporters note that the for Catalan Independence? Would this be a legitimate creation of a new country goes against the entire premise move in the eyes of the international community? How do of what the European Union stands for, and they realize you foresee Russian involvement in the future of the that Spain would most likely block any and all attempts of Catalan question? Catalonia trying to join the EU. According to a Catalan law student, Anna, Besides the element of needing international recognition, there are basic functions of a state that must be met. "It's a step backwards in history, and a huge contradiction Currently, there are many functions that take place in to the message of the EU; the notion of creating a Madrid, the Spanish capital, for the entirety of Spain. If community, not creating barriers. Politicians are leading Catalonia people when it should be the people who lead politicians. I feel Catalan, yet I also feel Spanish. I do not see the sense became independent, it would have to establish a variety of of creating barriers in societies. Many things have to be governmental functions on its own, such as “border changed, but independence is not the solution. I find it control, customs, proper international relations, defense, a very, very sad. Catalonia is [already] losing something central bank, inland revenue, air traffic control,” and more. worse than just its autonomy; it is losing businesses day [12] Not only do these elements take a lot of time and after day. That's what worries me as a young person soon energy, but also require major economic investment and to be entering the labour market."[13] economic means. Consider how the creation of an independent Catalonia would have to be implemented Here is a great infographic with arguments for and against realistically...is it possible? I highly recommend the independence: following article on this topic: http://www.bbc.com/news/ http://www.debatingeurope.eu/focus/independence- world-europe-41474674. catalonia/#.WkU4Yd-nHb0

Coalition Groups The Catalan Parliament consists of 135 members and elections occur every four years. It is composed of a D’hondt system, which is essentially party-list proportional representation where a list of political parties supported by the electorate receive proportional representation in the Parliament. The President of the Parliament has the power to dissolve the Parliament and call snap elections as they see fit. The following graphic shows the results of the various parties and their respective number of seats from the 2015 Catalan regional election.

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Junts pel Sί (Together for Yes) Junts pel Sί (Together for Yes) is a coalition of cross-party members of Catalan civil society, with the uniting goal of Catalonia’s independence.[14] Formed in 2015, Junts pel Sί became a fusion of political groups such as Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, Demòcrates de Catalunya, and Moviment d'Esquerres - all of which stood on the pro-independence ticket during the 2015 election.[15] For the Catalan elections later in the year, Junts pel Sί obtained 39.6% of the electorate, winning 62 of the 135 seats in Catalan Parliament.[16] Before the Catalan Independence Referendum of 2017, many members of this separatists coalition were accused on criminal charges for playing a large role in approval of legislation to allow the referendum to proceed, disobeying previous court orders to stop legislative steps towards independence.[17] Following this, the Spanish government dissolved the cabinet of Catalonia.[18]

The following Together for Yes diputats will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Artur Mas MH Ms. Carme Forcadell i Lluís Ilm Mr. Lluís Guinó i Subirós Mrs. Ms. Anna Simó i Castelló Mrs. Mrs. Ramona Barrufet i Santacana I. Sra. Marta Pascal i Capdevila I. Sr. David Bonvehí i Torras H. Sra. Irene Rigau i Oliver I. Sra. Marta Rovira i Vergés Il·lm. Sr. Roger Torrent i Ramió Lluís Maria Corominas i Díaz Albert Batalla i Siscart Jordi Turull i Negre Raül Romeva i Rueda Muriel Casals i Couturier Oriol Junqueras i Vies Eduardo Reyes Pino Neus Munté i Fernández Josep Rull i Andreu Oriol Amorós i March Germà Gordó i Aubarell

Ciudadanos (Citizens-Party of the Citizenry) Citizens-Party of the Citizenry, also known as Ciudadanos in Spanish, is a Spanish political party self-described as center left and non-nationalist.[19] Citizens-Party of the Citizenry was created in July 2006 by a group based in Barcelona.[20] This party has a main political discourse opposed to Catalan nationalism, challenging the preservation of the Catalan language as well as any dissent towards Spanish ideals. As a group opposed to Catalan independence and pro-European, their early efforts were of attracting enough attention to win them seats in the Catalan Parliament. Their controversial methods of advertisement in 2006 won them three out of 135 seats, and that number eventually grew to nine during the time of the 2015 elections.[21]

The following Ciudadanos diputats will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Inés Arrimadas I. Mr. José María Espejo-Saavedra Conesa I. Sr. Carlos Carrizosa Torres

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Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (Socialists' Party of Catalonia) The Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC) was founded in 1978, uniting the political groups of the Socialist Party of Catalonia and the Catalan Socialist Federation.[22] The Socialists’ Party has a unique opinion in maintaining their opposition to Catalan independence, while pushing for constitutional reform where Spain can recognize the unique characteristics of Catalonia - their hope is to be recognized as a nation, but not as an independent state. In 2006, the PSC had a victory with their leader being elected the president of the Generalitat, however since that year their presence in Parliament slowly dwindled to 28 seats in 2010, and 20 seats in 2012, to only 16 seats after the 2015 elections.[23] In the midst of the 2017 Catalan Independence Referendum, the PSC continued to call for a unified Catalan society, and a reform of the Spanish constitution. [24]

The following PSC diputats will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Miquel Iceta I. Mr. David Pérez Ibáñez Eva Maria Granados Galiano Ferran Pedret i Santos Miquel Iceta i Llorens Alícia Romero Llano

Catalunya Sí que es Pot (Catalonia Yes We Can) Catalonia Yes We Can (CSQP), is a left wing political coalition composed of the Podemos party, the Initiative for Catalonia Greens (ICV), and the United and Alternative left (EUiA). Created in early 2015, the party was formed by Lluís Rabell to stand for the regional Catalan elections later that year, where they went on to win a total of 366,494 votes, about 8.94% of the electorate. Because of this small percentage, the CSQP were awarded only 11 out of 135 representative seats in the regional body. Miniscule in comparison to the ruling majority Junts pel Sí right wing party, CSQP joined the Catalan Socialist Party, Ciudadanos, and the People’s party in leading a left wing opposition to their conservative counterparts in Parliament. [25] Together, since 2015, CSQP and its fellow liberal parties have advocated heavily for heightened environmental regulations, social justice, and left wing populism. At this parties demise in 2017, the CSQP fought heavily alongside its right and left wing counterparts in support of Catalan’s right to self-determination.[26] Essentially, CSQP was terminated at the end of 2017 by the Spanish government.

The following CSQP diputats will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Lluís Rabell I. Sra. Marta Ribas Frías Joan Josep Nuet i Pujals

Partido Popular (People's Party) The People’s Party (PP) is a conservative and christian democratic party operating throughout Spain. In modern Spanish politics today, it is one of the 4 most active parties in the country. Created shortly after the death of Dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, The PP has long been an advocate of Economic Liberalism, pro-European policy, and traditional Christian values. [27] In fact, the PP was one of the founding organizations behind the Robert Schuman Institute, Europe’s leading group for developing democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. In recent years, the party has shifted much of its focus around keeping Spain united and centralized. The party has condemned and convicted numerous Basque and Canary Separatist organizations, while working heavily to incorporate a nationalist element to their campaign, revolving around a united

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“Spanishness”. [28] The People’s Party is the most powerful group in Spanish politics as of right now, with hundreds of members serving in the congress of deputies and senate, as well as leader Mariano Rajoy, who serves as Prime Minister. However, the PP is miniscule in Catalan’s regional parliament, holding only 3 of the 135 seats. [29]

The following PP diputats will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Xavier García Albiol Josep Enric Millo i Rocher Santiago Rodríguez Serra Andrea Levy Soler Antonio Gallego Burgos Alejandro Fernández Álvarez

Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (Democratic Union of Catalonia) The Democratic Union of Catalonia (UDC) was a Catalan regional and Christian democratic political party for the past 86 years, until its dissolvement earlier in 2017. Together, with the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia, they formed the Convergence and Union coalition (CiU), which ruled the Generalitat de Catalunya from 1931, till its breakup in 2015. Serving as a Pro-Spanish, Pro-European based party, the UDC quickly lost much of its support as its Catalan voting base broke away to found the Democrats of Catalonia, a Pro-Catalan party with similar values. Although prominent in politics until 2017, the UDC lost all 13 of its parliamentary seats in the late 2015 elections due to its growingly unpopular opinions on Spanish politics. As it lost power, the UDC was also replaced by the Spanish People’s Party (PP) in the European People’s Party of the EU and it lost membership from the Robert Schuman Institute. In 2017, its final Secretary General, Ramon Espadaler, dissolved the remaining party because of its several economic debts and electoral defeats.

The following UDC diputant will be represented at AmeriMUNC:

Antonio Baños

Conclusion The Catalan question of independence has been brewing for decades; just now is it coming to an ugly head. The future of Spain and of Catalonia is at stake and it is up to you to determine the future. Will Europe see the birth of a new nation? Or will this call for independence be squelched and wither into submission? One spark can light the flame for a slew of future secessionist parties, and depending on the success or failure of Catalonian independence, other autonomous communities of Spain may follow suit. Although this topic can seem pertinent to Spain and only Spain, this is untrue; the future of Catalonia also has major implications for the entire European continent and the results of this struggle could ignite other separatist movements across Europe. How can you leverage your strengths and your personal connections within Catalonia, within the rest of Spain, and outside of Spain to achieve your objectives? The following articles are recommended to kick off your research and future reading into the Catalan question. Although they are a good starting point, it is crucial that you research more specifically into your party and your person: https://www.politico.eu/article/catalonia-independence-referendum-what-spain-has-to-lose/ https://www.politico.eu/article/catalonia-referendum-independence-timeline-how-did-we-get-here https://www.itv.com/news/2017-12-19/whos-who-in-the-catalan-elections/ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41754124 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41474674

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Questions to Consider How will you approach the topic of garnering international recognition for the Catalan Republic? How can international players show their support for Catalonia without betraying the Spanish government, and subsequently, having to sever ties with Spain? How would this work with the most important neighboring countries, which are European Union members along with Spain?

Besides having Catalonia exist as an independent country, are there other alternatives? Will addressing the economic concerns of Catalonia and creating a new taxation or fiscal spending policy appease the Catalan people? Can Catalonia re- evaluate its role as an autonomous community of Spain without creating a new country?

What role does cultural rhetoric play in the topic? How does this influence public opinion?

How will you deal with the challenges of constitutionality? If the Spanish government doesn’t consider the referendum, and therefore its results, as constitutional, what will you do? Do you fear punishment of sorts from the Spanish government? Is there a deal to be had with the Spanish government that you can find acceptable?

How will the various political parties work together, or against each other, in the struggle for or against independence? Which parties do you anticipate taking more extreme steps and which parties will more so “play by the rules”? Which parties are not in favor of independence but are still in favor of holding a referendum? Which parties are against holding a referendum in the first place?

Most importantly: how can you ensure the livelihood and security of the Catalonian people and leave them with a better tomorrow?

Position Papers All delegates in Parliament of Catalonia committee are required to write and submit a position paper one week prior to AmeriMUNC V. This position paper should be a broad overview of your character’s formal stance on the topic being discussed in committee. The position paper should also give a description of actions taken by your country to address the committee topic, and how you plan to respond to this topic in committee.

The deadline for all position paper submissions will be Friday, January 26th, 2018 at 11:59 PM EST. Position papers should be emailed to your Chair at [email protected]. Failure to submit a position paper by this date will disqualify you from receiving an individual committee award. In addition, chairs will take the quality of position papers into account when deciding awards.

Footnotes [1] Martin, James. "Spain Regions Map." https://www.tripsavvy.com/spain-regions-map-4136320. [2] "Catalonia: What Powers Does the Region Have?". http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41754124. [3] "Barcelona's Languages." https://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-languages.html. [4] "Barcelona's Languages." https://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-languages.html. [5] "Understanding Catalan Flags." https://www.barcelonas.com/catalan-flags.html. [6] Rahola, Pilar. "Artur Mas: "Pienso Más En Las Próximas Generaciones Que En Las Próximas Elecciones"." (2012). http://www.lavanguardia.com/magazine/20120224/54258645650/artur-mas-generalitat-psoe-pp-cataluna.html. [7] Moffett, Matt. "Catalan Academics Press Separatist Drive." https://www.wsj.com/articles/catalan-academics-press- separatist-drive-1390608191. [8] Tamplin, Harley. "Catalonia Referendum Results Show 90% of Voters Backed independence." (2017). http:// metro.co.uk/2017/10/06/catalonia-referendum-results-show-90-of-voters-backed-independence-6982618/. [9] Torres, Diego. "Lower Than Average Turnout in Spanish Elections." (2015). https://www.politico.eu/article/lower-than- average-turnout-spanish-elections-rajoy-rivera-iglesias-sanchez. [10] Runde, Daniel. "The Case Against Catalan Independence," (2015). http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/09/18/the-case- against-catalan-independence-spain/. [11] "Scottish Government 'Respects Catalan Position'." http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-41781241. [12] "Catalonia: What Powers Does the Region Have?". http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41754124 Page 11 | AmeriMUNC V // CATALONIA

[13] Palmer, Ellis. "Catalonia Independence: Catalans Put the Case for and Against." http://www.bbc.com/news/world- europe-41671032 [14] Prim, Sara. "Party Review - ‘Junts Pel Sí’: “Independence Is for Real. We Are Ready”." (2015). http:// www.catalannews.com/politics/item/party-review-junts-pel-si-independence-is-for-real-we-are-ready. [15] "Junts Pel Sí - Together for Yes." https://www.barcelonas.com/jxsi.html [16] "President Mas: “It’s Time to Accept the Victory of Catalonia. The Victory of Yes”." 2015. [17] Jones, Sam. "Catalonia to Hold Independence Vote Despite Anger in Madrid." (2017). https://www.theguardian.com/ world/2017/sep/06/spanish-government-condemns-catalonia-over-independence-referendum. [18] "Spain Dissolves Catalan Cabinet in Wake of Independence Declaration." (2017). https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ world/europe/spain-dissolves-catalan-cabinet-in-wake-of-independence-declaration-1.3271223. [19] "Citizens – Party of the Citizenry." http://enacademic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/4028858. [20] "Citizens-Party of the Citizenry." http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/eng/Citizens-Party_of_the_Citizenry [21] Kassam, Ashifa. "Ciudadanos, the 'Podemos of the Right', Emerges as Political Force in Spain." https:// www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/13/ciudadanos-podemos-of-right-political-force-spain-albert-rivera. [22] "The History of Catalan Socialism." http://www.socialistes.cat/pagina/historia-del-socialisme-catala [23] "Party Review: Catalan Socialist Party (Psc) Is against Catalonia’s Independence and Declares That “a Nation Is Not a State”." http://www.catalannews.com/politics/item/party-review-catalan-socialist-party-psc-is-against-catalonia-s- independence-and-declares-that-a-nation-is-not-a-state. [24] "Psc’s Esther Niubó: “We Need a Very Broad Social Compact to Overcome This Situation”." (2017). http:// www.catalannews.com/politics/item/psc-s-esther-niubo-we-need-a-very-broad-social-compact-to-overcome-this-situation. [25] Prim, Sara. "Party Review: ‘Catalunya Sí Que Es Pot’ (‘Catalonia Yes We Can’), a New Alternative Left-Wing Coalition." http://www.catalannews.com/politics/item/party-review-catalunya-si-que-es-pot-catalonia-yes-we-can-a-new- alternative-left-wing-coalition. [26] Gamissans, Julia. "El Grupo De Catalunya Sí Que Es Pot Se Fractura En El Debate De La Ley." (2017). https:// elpais.com/ccaa/2017/09/06/catalunya/1504724445_324875.html. [27] Terry, Chris. "People’s Party (Pp)." (2014). http://www.demsoc.org/2014/05/20/peoples-party-pp/. [28] "Factbox: Policies of Spain's People's Party." (2011). https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-election-policies/ factbox-policies-of-spains-peoples-party-idUSTRE7AJ08F20111120. [29] "The People of the People's Party." (2011). http://www.economist.com/node/18836480. [30] "Democratic Union of Catalonia." (2017). https://ipfs.io/ipfs/ QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Democratic_Union_of_Catalonia.html. [31] "Democratic Union of Catalonia." https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php? s=Democratic%20Union%20of%20Catalonia&item_type=topic.