Thoughts from Galicia: 16.10.17

Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable.

- Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain. 

If you've arrived here because of an interest in Galicia or Pontevedra, see my web page here.

Life in Spain

• The Catalan president has been for at least a week between a rock and a (very) hard place - not wanting to either alienate his (increasingly) extreme nationalist coalition partners nor to answer Madrid's ultimatum re the status of Cataluña, precipitating direct rule. This morning saw his latest doomed-to-fail attempt to square the circle. And, if we thought last week's address to parliament was rambling and confusing, we knew nothing. Inevitably, Puigdemont has ducked Madrid's key question about whether or not Cataluña has declared independence and sent a long letter to the Spanish president aimed at 1. stalling for time; 2. avoiding the acrimonious break-up of his fragile coalition; 3. stopping the flood of companies moving their HQs from Cataluña; 4. initiating a nothing-off-the-table dialogue with Madrid; and 5. internationalising this (so far non-existent) dialogue. If it wasn't so serious, it would be laughable. Suspicions must now grow that he's aiming for the martyrification of both himself and the head of the regional police who just happens to be in court in Madrid this morning.
• In a word, the appalling situation is about to get a lot worse, especially in Cataluña itself. As Don Quijones says here: While much of the focus of the international media has been on divisions between Spain and Catalonia, it’s within Catalonia itself that the most toxic effects of this political crisis are being felt. Communities within the region are fracturing, families are splintering and friendships are breaking apart as the politics of sectarianism worm their way into just about every public and private space.
• And here's news of the worst development - the resurgence of the fascist right. I should add that 'fascist' is the go-to insult of every Spaniard involved in an argument, whether his/her opponent is on the Left of the Right. But these bastards really are fascists. And should be stopped. Especially as it's a crime in Spain to 'disrespect' the authorities.
• Meanwhile, in the rest of northern Spain, wildfires are ravaging the countryside of both Galicia and Asturias. As well as northern Portugal. Most worryingly, the flames have reached the centre of Vigo, the largest Galician city, killing at least 3 people on their way. There's been low rainfall this years in (“perpetually rainy”) Galicia but, thankfully, it's forecast for today. Here's a map of the outbreaks, many of which are thought – as usual – to be deliberately started. I wonder if we'll now get the wide raft of theories that we got back in 2006, when the situation was even worse.

Finally . .  Here in North Cheshire, my second grandchild, first grandson is now a day late. Kids! En passant, I wonder if that comment in Spanish would literally translate as mi segundo nieto, mi primer nieto. 'My second grandson, my first grandson'. Confusing or what? And . . .  muy macho.  I'm advised that, of course, an additional word has to be used:- mi segundo nieto, mi primer nieto varón. 'My second grandson, my first male grandson'.