Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Barcelona to call for Spanish unity. Banners read ‘Recuperem el seny’, meaning “let’s recover the reasonableness” and “We’re Catalan, we’re Spanish, more coexistence, less independence”.
Among the speakers at the rally which was organised by the region’s main pro-unity organisation – Societat Civil Catalana, was Novel-prize winning novelist Mario Vargas Llosa who announced:
“Nationalism has filled the history of Europe, the World and Spain with wars, blood and death. For some time, nationalism is wreaking havoc also here in Catalonia. That’s why we are here today. To stop it”.
The rally aimed to encourage opening up dialogue on what has become Spain’s worst political crisis in 40 years.
Josep Borrell, former president of European Parliament and former socialist party leader said:
“I see some esteladas (Catalonian independentists flag), this is our estelada,” before brandishing a European flag.
This big pro- Unity Spain demonstration has taken place only 48-hores before an expected speech by Catalan president Carles Pugdemont that he will address at Parliament (Catalan, regional parliament) to announce next steps of pro- independence parties. (Catalan government parties)
