Some regions of Catalonia have signaled they wish to remain united with the Kingdom of Spain, and do not wish to be held to any secessionist votes conducted by Catalan separatists. For instance, in December 2017 regional elections, Ciudadanos, a pro Spanish Constitution and center-left party, was the most votes in many divisions of Barcelona and Tarragona provinces, and in Aran Valley as well.
Moreover, where the Catalan secession movement to reach the critical phase, there is a high likelihood that Aranese citizens would opt for splitting from an independent Catalonia and remaining in Spain, either as a new autonomous community or joining any other province (maybe Huesca). It should be pointed that in that region, close to the Pyrenees, where James II of Aragon granted autonomy in 1313, an Occitan dialect is often spoken.
Meanwhile, after Christmas Day in 2017, some critics of Catalan secession suggested the idea of of creating a new autonomous community named “Tabarnia”, which would include those Barcelona and Tarragona sub-divisions where there is more support to remaining in Spain. Many of the comments were put forward satirically, but were nonetheless intended in a spirit of opposition against Catalan secessionist and nationalist movement.
But that “joke” is only becoming more relevant.
In 2015 activists launched a platform to turn Barcelona province into the 18th autonomous community, separating the city from Catalonia as a whole. The objectives were the following: improving relationships with the rest of Spain, and avoiding fiscal discrimination on financing.
The movement was fueled by the fact that Catalan independence is not well-supported in many areas of Catalonia itself, and is specific only to certain portions of the region. In other words, there are a division in that region between nationalists and secessionists in rural areas, and supporters of remaining in Spain in many urban areas.
Once said that, from my standpoint, “Tabarnia” citizens ought to have the right to self-determination as well. As Mises taught us that issue has nothing to do with nations, as Catalan nationalists suggest. As in the “division” between conservative New California and progressive California, secession may be considered by Tabarnia citizens as an opportunity.
