Why France Does Not Support Catalan Independence

France's stance on Catalan independence is a topic often explored through the lens of historical and political decentralization within the European Union (EU). The Catalan independence movement has been a contentious issue, and France stands clearly against it. Several factors contribute to this position, highlighting the stark contrast between French and Spanish approaches to regional autonomy.

France as the Most Centralistic EU Country

France is widely recognized as the most centralistic country in the EU, with a significant portion of its discretionary public spending controlled by the central government. In contrast, Spain maintains the highest degree of decentralization in public spending in the EU. Specifically, the share of discretionary public spending managed by the central government is:

This substantial difference reflects the varied approaches to governance and resource allocation. While Spain grants legislative powers to its 17 autonomous regions and supports financial and cultural autonomy, France maintains a rigid central authority with limited regional autonomy.

Historic Territorial Recognition and Governance

To understand why France does not support Catalan independence, it's crucial to explore the contrasting approaches of these two nations to regional governance and recognition of historic territories.

In Spain, autonomous regions like Catalonia are granted extensive legislative and administrative powers. Notably, Catalonia has its own police force, public media, and the autonomy to create and implement educational policies in regional languages, including Catalan. Additionally, Spain's bilingual regions, such as the Aran Valley in the Pyrenees, have recognized minority languages like Gascon and maintain their own educational systems and media outlets.

Conversely, in France, regional movements, particularly in Brittany and Corsica, are often met with a more centralized response. Maintaining a strong central government is seen as a strategy to prevent further fragmentation of national unity. This approach might also aim to avoid a "domino effect," where regional autonomy or secession leads to others following suit.

European Context and Risk Management

The European Union as a whole prioritizes unity and stability. Any political or social movement that could lead to significant changes, such as secessionism, is viewed as a risk. European politicians and bureaucrats seek to maintain the status quo, perceiving any movement for change as potentially destabilizing.

This perspective is exemplified by the European Union's cautious stance towards the “yellow vests” protests in France. Similarly, the EU's response to the Catalan independence movement is indicative of a broader effort to manage and mitigate political risks within the bloc.

Conclusion

The French stance on Catalan independence reflects both domestic and international considerations. France's commitment to maintaining a strong central government is aimed at preventing further regional fragmentation and promoting national unity. This approach is consistent with broader EU priorities of stability and unity, highlighting the complex interplay of local and global factors in shaping political decisions.