Catalans divided as independence vote nears

As Catalonia independence vote nears, the issue has the entire northeastern region split roughly down the middle.

The most recent poll commissioned by the regional government in July finds that 49.4 percent of Catalans are against independence while 41.1 percent are in favour.

Al Jazeera's Karl Penhaul reports from Barcelona.

[VS]

Does it even matter? Catalonia and Spain would be part of the mega-country EU anyway so secession would be pointless they'll be in the same "country" all over again.

[guilhermesavoya]

One thing is certain, though. If Catalonia gains independence, it must say goodbye to the EU, for better or worse. Catalonia would be required to ask membership again to remain in the single market, and Spain would certainly veto it. I'm not saying they don't deserve independence (nor that they do), I'm an outsider who doesn't know much about their situation. However, it looks like isolation from the EU would cause huge blow into the Catalan economy.

[LieuC]

No time like the present to conclude a mutual defense pact with the Sardinians they say.

[blockchainbot.]

Nothing gonna happen. Why would Spain let go their golden goose.

[atruesonofcalifornia]

If I was from Catalonia I would want independence to Catalonian pay higher taxes than the rest of Spain and have one of the most important shipping ports in Europe it's like California in the United States we pay higher taxes than any other state and if we left the U.S. the rest of the country struggles

[muhammadadambinmohdrazihan]

FFS catalonian just stay with Spain. I don't want to watch LA Liga without Barcelona. BTW I'm not Spanish.

[jusfergames]

spain forgot to convert catalonias culture. they owned it for so long it shouldent cost too much dip power. tho its looking like might need mil power to suppress the rebels for a while. too bad the they have ironman enabled or else they could use some CC

[zackhuman]

I don't support Catalonia because Catalonia is poor region