Long denied a referendum on independence akin to those held in Scotland or Quebec, Catalan separatists proclaimed that Sunday’s elections to the regional parliament would be a de facto plebiscite on secession from Spain. The result, however, has only further muddled the issue.

Separatist parties did win a majority of seats, but they failed to win a majority of votes, which would have been required in a referendum. That does not amount to a mandate to create a new nation. Still, the vote tells the conservative government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy that it had better start heeding the Catalans.

The result does not empower the separatists to unilaterally break with Spain. But denying the Catalans have any choice in the matter is certain only to deepen their nationalist feelings. The best course for now is for the separatists to use their strength to seek more control over their affairs from Madrid. Mr. Rajoy should recognize that even within the constraints of the Spanish Constitution, there is plenty of room for discussion on how to accommodate Catalan yearnings.

bbabo.Net