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Some Catalans have published their own manifesto as part of the independence row
And now some Catalans have published their own manifesto as part of the independence row which has since gone vial.
But in a bizarre twist, it is not the call to arms as expected but a message from ‘the others’ who have tired of the independence process.
With the Spanish and Catalan governments at loggerheads over Catalonia’s desire to be independent, it seems some citizens of the small region have grown weary of the bickering.
A manifesto, entitled ‘The Other Catalans’ has gone viral with their message of tolerance and peace.
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Being widely shared on Facebook and WhatsApp, it says: “We are the other Catalans.
“Those who do not go to demonstrations and never place flags on the balcony.
“We are calm, tolerant, hardworking, peaceful, discreet and friends of our friends. We want to have health, money, love and work, like everyone else.
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It goes to say how they “respect Spain”, despite the war of words between politicians
“We believe in family and in the personal effort and not in donations and public money to get things.
“We love peace and freedom, we detest corruption, violence, abuse of power, manipulation and lies.”
It goes to say how they “respect Spain”, despite the war of words between politicians Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont.
The manifesto continues: “We are quite fed up with the “procès” (Catalan independence process) and politicians in general with so many lies. We vote for the least bad.
“We hate those who promote phobias between territories, whatever their colour is, from here or elsewhere, just to win a few votes, keep their job and keep themselves warm.
“We do not believe that independence is the solution to all our problems: we are not so naïve. Confrontation politics and its leaders are part of the problem.
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It comes after nearly one million Catalans took to the streets earlier this week
We are the other Catalans
“Why is everything so tense? Shouldn’t they all be working to get us out of this crisis, stop telling stories and not confront each other?
“I believe many think like that, but we are not seen or heard: “we are THE OTHERS” and although they know we are here, they ignore us for not thinking like them.
“We love Catalonia, we love Spain, we want to remain European.”
It comes after nearly one million Catalans took to the streets earlier this week calling for independence.
Catalonia’s regional parliament passed laws last week to prepare for an independence referendum on October 1.
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Polls have shown support for independence waning in recent years
But Spain’s Constitutional Court suspended the vote after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy challenged it in the courts.
Mr Rajoy is attempting to use everything in his power to block the referendum from going ahead.
Polls have shown support for independence waning in recent years with those wanting a separate state in a minority.
But despite the manifesto, a majority of Catalans want to vote on the issue.