Back without victory

But there was no victory for Catalan independence, nor for Spanish nationalism. It is not any form of consolation in the absence of a draw, but the realization that neither the strong could triumph nor the weak (let us rather say the small) could mock it. And certainly neither came to discover the weaknesses of the other, nor to take advantage of its strengths. Now I do not know who was the first to say that the conflict between Catalonia and Spain is the story of two failures: Spain’s failure to integrate Catalonia into a homogeneous state, and Catalonia’s failure to leave that state. The state and the state, which is also a political project, are incomplete, they have failed. It could have been or could have been successful if it had been considered from the perspective of linguistic, cultural and national diversity, but it has always been considered from the perspective of hegemony and superiority that Machado and Maragall denounced, in formulations that remain unprecedented. Machado:Poor Castile, yesterday’s dominant, / Wrapped in her rags, despising all she ignores. Margal: “Do you not understand this language that speaks to you in the midst of dangers? / Have you lost the ability to understand your children? / Farewell, Spain!

The messy situation of Catalan independence can be described by another poem, not well known in our regions, by the American poet E. Cummings (he wrote it in lowercase), entitled “Can’t Lose Every Day”. It is an ironic title, because the conclusion is that it can be done. Bitterness, spite, infantilism, cynicism, victimhood and empty dignity have taken hold of a movement that was transformative and hopeful not so long ago. Catalan independence has, in the process, seen two moments of true triumph: the citizen mobilizations of October 1 and 3. As for the rest, it can be said that Catalan independence has been pursued with ferocity and with all the powers and instruments of the Spanish state, which has not hesitated to violate the rule of law in its desire for revenge. But the worst damage, however, has been done by Catalan independence itself. Aliança Catalana is the dirty, sad and ugly embodiment of this evil: and now the worst part begins, which is to start making excuses to approve it.

Let the exiles return, because it is necessary and just. Bring back Puigdemont, Puig, Comín. Compared to its best moments, independence has lost a million and a half votes and much of its mobilizing power. Spanish nationalism continues as it always has: non-mandatory, customary, authoritarian, burdensome. There are no happy returnees from exile. No victory for the vanquished, nor for those who think they are victorious.