Brexit is the commonly used term for the British exit from the European Union as we know. The ‘Leave’ supporters outvoted ‘Remain’ supporters in a referendum. There is now a protracted ongoing process; much like an acrimonious divorce between the EU and the UK. Following the referendum in UK, several notional ‘leave’ terms were coined: Frexit, Italexit, Spexit etc. however #Spexit was trending on social media recently. Clearly some ‘Leave’ theories are emerging as more than merely notional; some are now thinking about the possible exit of Spain from the EU.
The semi-autonomous area of Catalonia made a failed bid to break away from Spain in 2017. Separatist leader Oriol Junqueras was jailed as a result but still managed to be elected as a Member of European Parliament. Now the EU court has ruled that Junqueras is entitled to immunity as an MEP.
There were other EU rulings that didn’t seem to affect the people as much. However the court ruling granting Junqueras immunity appears to have hurt Spanish pride.
The ruling of the EU court has angered many in Spain who see this as dictatorial interference from Brussels. This has now fueled #Spexit sentiment in the region.
There is now a significant number in Spain that subscribe to the view that they would be better off exiting the EU.
There is a significant nationalistic but narrow, parochial sentiment evident among some sections.
Some sections in Spain believe that they have been unfairly dealt with by the EU and that Spexit will mean freedom for individual European nations.
There is one view that believes a Brexit-like referendum would be illegal and that all of Europe would have a say in whether Spexit happens or not.
Santiago Abascal is far right ideologue who has gained popularity on the back of the Catalan crisis. This ultra conservative, anti-immigrant, Spaniards-First agenda is seen to fuel the ‘Leave’ sentiment.
There are many who cite the disastrous progression of Brexit as a reason not to consider exiting the EU.
The tweeple also came out to express their dismay at #Spexit; which they see as a regressive idea. We should be working towards fewer borders, not more borders, they feel. If only more people felt this way about the borders that divide.
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