Basque Country independence
Basque autonomy is the principle and a movement for autonomy or self government for the Basque Country, with political powers devolved from the Government of Spain (and the Government of France). A part of the movement also advocates for the complete independence of the Basque Country.
Constitutional background
After a period of self-government, the Basque government was abolished by the Spanish government in 1839.[1]
Under the Spanish Franco regime during the Spanish Civil War, the Basque language was banned, the rights of Basques were reduced, and the Basque city of Guernica was bombed on behalf of Franco by the Nazis.[1][2] In response, the Basque nationalist group, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) was established in 1959 which was responsible for the deaths of over 800 people.[1] The ETA came to an end in May 2018.[3]
Re-establishment of autonomy
In 1978 a special status was given to "historic nationalities"; the Basque country, Catalonia and Galicia. Pre-autonomous bodies would write up a statute of autonomy which would be subject to a referendum. [4]
Basque leaders submitted a draft of the Statute of Gernika in the same year and the Spanish government then brought about a referendum in October 1979.[5] Basque self-governance returned in 1979.[6]
Powers
Tax
In accordance with he fuerros, the Basquee country (and Navarre) are permitted to collect their own taxes in a manner that generally conforms to Spanish tax collection.[4] During 1979-80, a “constitutional shield” was negotiated, where 6.24% of local tax would be sent to the Spanish central government.[7]
Support for independence
In June 2018, a human chain was formed by tens of thousands of Basques, extending 202km. They called for a referendum to determine the future of the Basque country. As of 2018, 15-17% in the Basque Country (autonomous community) supported independence.[8]
A 2020 poll showed that 41% support holding a referendum on Basque independence with and 31% opposing.[9]
A 2021 poll showed that 40.5% were in favour of an independent Basque state, with 29.2% against.[10]
References
- ^ a b c "The Basques—facts and information". History. 2019-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ "The Bombing of Guernica: Could WW2 Have Been Stopped That Day?". Sky HISTORY TV channel. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ "The Basques—facts and information". History. 2019-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ a b Schrijver, Frans (2006). Regionalism After Regionalisation: Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Amsterdam University Press. pp. 87–90. ISBN 978-90-5629-428-1.
- ^ Hills, George (1980). "Basque Autonomy: Will It Be Enough?". The World Today. 36 (9): 358–359. ISSN 0043-9134.
- ^ Kingsley, Patrick (2017-10-28). "As Catalonia Crisis Deepens, Many Basques Wary of New Independence Bid". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ Gardner, David (2019-07-12). "Why Basques and Catalans see independence differently". Financial Times. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ "Spain's Basques form human chain calling for independence vote". BBC News. 2018-06-10. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ Strategies, Redfield & Wilton (2020-07-29). "Spanish Respondents Deeply Divided About Franco's Legacy". Redfield & Wilton Strategies. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ^ "2021-11 Survey". Telesforo Monzon. Retrieved 2023-10-11.