Why are anti-independence Catalans so silent?
Четвер, 5 Жовтень 2017 08:06
Нагадую, треба піти по першій ссилочці і поплюсувати запитання і ті відповіді, які сподобалися. А то поки прямим текстом не напишеш, ніхто не здогадається. :-)

The polls I have seen showcase that at least 40%, perhaps a bit more, of the Catalan population oppose independence.
[…]
But where are the anti-independence foreigners joined by anti-independence Catalans? Why are they not being heard? 40% is a huge number. Why is their opinion not represented?
A:
You needn't a political movement to force your country's police do their job
Apologies for a bit of bold title (in both senses), but this is precisely the answer.
In most national-liberation movements, the "pro-" secession faction is more active than their opponents. That's because the separatists need changes, while their opponents prefer to keep things the way how they are. In other words, if someone is "anti-"secession, they almost automatically become "pro-" the existing order:
Borders.
Type of government.
Country's affiliations and memberships (cf. the EU).
Law and Order.
Which is precisely the job of the National police, National Security service, etc.
Unless the anti-secession Catalans suspect their police of neglecting its duties, there's no need to protest. There are numerous reports that the Spanish police was not passive recently.
Also, the impression of "so silent" can be made because foreigners often look at the mass protests, street violence, and similar events. However, there are several political parties in Parliament of Catalonia who continue political struggle.
For one, "Citizens" is known for its opposition to Catalonian nationalism and the secession.
The above would also answer the question, "Why is their opinion not represented?" — in fact, they are represented.