Catalans who want independence for the first time on 27 September will be able to vote in favour of this option in legal elections. Of course, also now with the trick, because for the umpteenth time Spain does not accept a direct legal consultation, as they did in Quebec or Scotland.

And in the face of Spain’s permanent refusal, the independentists have opted for a cross-cutting plebiscite. The meter will be the unitary candidature of Junts pel Yes, which will be presented to the next general election. The votes of the Cup will also be added to it.

In the plebiscite there is no 'no', but all votes other than 'independentists' will be counted as 'no', as well as those of the candidacy of 'Yes' which is Pot, which will strengthen the commitment to federalism. Basically, Podemos and Initiative run the programme, which can bring together many forces in favour of federalism, something that is true in Catalonia. Studies show that in Catalonia the federalist is between 25% and 30% of the population and that the main short- and medium-term challenge for the current independence bloc is to bring this bloc to independence.

To this end, the short-term session will be that of the elections on 27 September. There is no doubt that arrogance will win, both in seats and in votes, but the question is whether or not housing will win, that is, more than 50% of the votes cast. It will be very difficult, but in the three remaining weeks, everything is possible. We must not forget the surprise of 9 November, when, contrary to all forecasts, 2.3 million people took part in a referendum banned by the Spanish Supreme Court, of which 1.8 million were in favour of independence.

NOW 5.5 million people are entitled to vote on 27 September. Participation will therefore be key, but it is not clear to whom it benefits, because both Spanish voters and independence believe that it would be in their favour. In the 2012 regional elections 67% of the voters voted, i.e. 4.1 million people and the CIU, ERC and the Cup obtained 1.74 million votes.

That figure is expected to be exceeded on 27 September, but exceeding half of the voters would be the key to the process continuing with the slightest firmness. Although that does not happen, independence seems to be going to have a majority in Parliament, but it is clear that it will have to behave differently, especially if it is not exceeded by 70%. However, it is very possible to overcome it: In 2012, participation was the highest in the history of autonomous elections (67.76%) and because the current motivation calls for participation.

This is not a referendum in Quebec or Scotland, but in Catalan society there is enough tension for independence to win. If the plebiscite does not win and participation is low, there is a risk that the processes of independence will be abandoned. And if not, there is no choice but to see it. The November referendum was a success, but then the sovereigns were not able to make a consensual proposal to society and the process was emptied. Symptoms of fatigue were also observed in society.

JUNTS PEL (PPE). — (FR) Mr President, I should like to begin by congratulating the rapporteur, Mr De Gucht, on his report. At the moment, this is the important thing, and, seeing the position that Spain has maintained so far, it seems that Mariano Rajoy has decided to respond with his usual strategy of ending the problem and waiting for the results and the independence movement. In his view, it is not enough to pave the way for it, and to do so it will seek to create the minimum tensions, not least without excessively shaking the flags of the laws and of the prohibitions. Interestingly, he will look more at the results of his party than those of Ciutadans and yes it is pot, because the former has become key to the strength of Spanish amateurs, and the latter to weaken independence.

We will soon see the strength of Junts pel Yes, but everything indicates that he has managed to create more illusion than with the separation of independence. The Union creates illusion among the citizens, especially when it has a firm foundation and objective. Be it in Catalonia, be it in Navarra or in the CAV.