In Venice and Lombard, will North Italy become a second Catalonia?

The independence effort in Catalonia seems to have put a domino effect on the move. Now there are regions of northern Italy Venice and Lombardi that require more autonomy. The rich north feels torn away by the central government of Rome and asked citizens if they want greater financial independence. In both regions over 90 per cent of those who participated in the vote voted by “po”. Will North Italy become a Catalonian?

The one that brings together Catalonia, Venton and Lombard...

All three regions are rich. In Catalonia, some 20 percent of Spain's gross social product is provided. Venice and Lombardia respond together for a third of Italy's economic power.

The demand for more autonomy is not new. There has been efforts in Catalonia since the 19th century to establish its own state within the Spanish republic. During Franco's dictatorship in 1939 to 1975, efforts were made to stifle independence movements. Even in northern Italy, the idea of independence is not new. The region is considered the area where the Lega Nord Party was established in 1989, which at one time also called for the breakaway of the poorest north.

Voter turnout leaves to be desired. Only about 40 per cent of the eligible voters participated in Lombardi's referendum vote. There were 42 percent in Catalonia, although the electors were also hampered by the mass actions of the Spanish police.

...and if they're distinguished

Northern Italians do not want to establish an independent state. The independence they want is just of economic nature. With their tourism metropoliss, Venice, Verona and Milan Venice and Lombardia are two of the country's richest regions. Their regional presidents, Luca Zaia and Roberto Maroni, oppose the circumstance they are forced to send so much money to Rome. Through voting they received support from the people.

But the Catalans want more. The independence signed on October 10th, President Charles Puigdemont really canceled it immediately. But Prime Minister Rajoy's request to give up until October 19th was expressed by all trends for independence he did not respect.

In northern Italy, the polls are in line with the constitution. “These two referenda are legitimate, at a time that the one in Catalonia was not such a”, the Italian president of the European Parliament said in an interview with the newspaper “Il Messagero” In Catalonia, however, that before people gave the vote, the referendum was banned by the Constitutional Court and declared unconstitutional. / DW