Most Catalans fear independence would affect their economy

MOST Catalans think the pro-independence plan drawn up by the President of the Catalan Regional Government Artur Mas would be detrimental to the economy.

According to a survey published by La Vanguardia, not only does an increasing number of people support the idea of a referendum being held in Catalonia, but independence supporters outnumber people who are against the idea of the region separating from Spain, albeit by a small margin.

However, only 25 per cent of respondents believe that it would be enough for the pro-independence parties to have the majority in the Catalan Parliament to declare independence from Spain.

When asked if they think the plan formulated by Mas would negatively affect the Catalan economy and investments in the region, 52.9 per cent of respondents said yes, 38.8 per cent said no and only 8.3 per cent said they did not know or did not answer the question.

Regarding the hypothetical living standard in an independent Catalonia, 43.3 per cent of people said it would be better than now, while 24.3 per cent said it would be worse and 25.6 per cent thinks it would be the same.

If the referendum were to be conducted, 47.4 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of independence, while 42.9 per cent would vote against it.