Catalans Would Pay a High Price for Independence

The Spanish government has firmly ruled out independence for Catalonia. But even if Barcelona were to go it alone its citizens would almost certainly pay a hefty price, at least in the short-term. The transition to a new state would be tortuous and costly. Any financial benefits from independence would take years to materialize.

The economic case for an independent Catalonia rests on the region's wealth. In 2016, each Catalan citizen earned on average 28,600 euros ($33,500), which is roughly 19 percent higher than the income of an average Spaniard. Catalonia produces a fifth of Spain's economic output and more than a quarter of its exports. It also pays in taxes more than it receives in public spending though the exact figure is disputed. Over the long run, Catalonia would no doubt be a viable economy.