Spanish unionists won’t go back in the closet

The grievances against Catalonia’s control have simmered for years but the gloves are off as election day looms, writes Barry Kitchener.

OCTOBER 8, 2017 was the day Spanish unionists in Catalonia finally came out of the closet. Up to 1m flooded Barcelona city centre under a bright blue sky to take a stand against independence.

The overarching feeling among those marching down the Via Laietana towards the sea that day was: “It’s been a long time coming.” Anger over Catalan government-controlled public education, for instance, has simmered for years.