Madrid rejects Basque 'independence' plan – EuroNews

[Ekhi]

The Spanish parliament has delivered a firm 'No' to a plan to give the Basque country virtual independence.

[ Full Article ]

[Timo]

I know little on this subject. Do the Basques already have limited autonomy within Spain? If not, perhaps they should try to go for that, instead of out-right independence.

[Milesian]

As far as I know, they already have a degree of autonomy

[Arjuna Durden]

Originally Posted by Timo

I know little on this subject. Do the Basques already have limited autonomy within Spain? If not, perhaps they should try to go for that, instead of out-right independence.

The Basques of present-day Spain (there's also a French Pays Basque) have the widest degree of autonomy and self-rule compentences in Western Europe, only second by close distance to the Belgian provinces. That includes own police forces (bigger than the state's ones in their territory), own financial legislation, shared taxation powers, parliament and legislation, health and education system, etc. and even some representation within EU institutions at the regional and commisional level.

The problem, however, is not to have a greater degree of autonomy or not. First, the Basque ethnicity is also spread along the former Kingdom of Navarra, which is not for secession. And that is also the position of Araba, one of the Basque provinces of the official Spanish Basque Country.

Historically, modern Basque nationalism has very little of the concept of the traditional Basque fueros (institutions and rights). The Vanguard of "nationalism" is the marxist-leninist terror organisation ETA, of the same kind as the RAF or the Brigate Rosse. Furthermore, moderate Basque nationalism don't reject inmigration of Nigerians, Moors, Indians, etc., only of "Spaniards". Strange, isn't it?

For some of the myths upon which modern Basque pseudo-nationalism is based, I recommend reading this post: http://forum.stirpes.net/showthread....5694#post15694

[Milesian]

Originally Posted by Arjuna Durden

Furthermore, moderate Basque nationalism don't reject inmigration of Nigerians, Moors, Indians, etc., only of "Spaniards". Strange, isn't it?

I've noticed that with one of their football teams (Athletico Bilbao?).
They will allow any ethnicity or nationality into the team, except Spaniards.
Wierd.

[Ferran]

Originally Posted by Milesian

I've noticed that with one of their football teams (Athletico Bilbao?).
They will allow any ethnicity or nationality into the team, except Spaniards.
Wierd.

Ah no, the tradition of Athletic Club de Bilbao was ever to only give permission to Basques or mixed Spaniard-Basques to play in the team, but not other nationalities. An attitude very clapped in all the Spains, just for that, Athletic de Bilbao have lots of followers around Spain, because every Spanish club's fans (not leaders) will love that same philosophy for his own team. Also, Athletic Club have a large tradition in providing players to the Spanish team (in 80's was its "players factory", but now competence is greater ).

[Milesian]

Ah I see, well that clears that up for me