Catalonia has two viable strategies to achieve sustainable independence. One is to follow the Scottish approach and carry out a referendum in cooperation with the Spanish central government. The second is to hold a referendum that will demonstrate overwhelming and resolute support for independence. So far the Catalan government has not shown evidence of such strong backing. Madrid should allow the Catalans to express their opinion by voting, and the Catalan side for its part needs to show that the desire for independence among the people is widespread and unshakable. §1.9 §1.10 §5.1 §6.1 §6.10
To avoid continued unrest and tension, the governments of Catalonia and Spain should work to cooperate in gauging the extent of desire for independence among the citizens of the region. They should examine the processes followed for referendums in Switzerland and elections in California. Citizens should be allowed to voice their opinions through the ballot box and not on the streets. In addition, elections should be completely free for all candidates. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development for details.