The Catalan pro-independence movement bases its claims on a set of emphatic and oft-repeated assertions
These range from historical beliefs (that there was, for example, a war of secession in 1714 that resulted in a subjugated Catalonia) to economic maxims (Spain is robbing us, we’d be richer outside Spain).
These assertions are all false.
EL PAÍS has analyzed 10 of the myths that are used to support the separatists’ story, and found that not one of them withstands detailed scrutiny.
For instance: it is not true – and European treaties reflect this – that an independent Catalonia would automatically join the European Union.
On the contrary, it…