Brexit, Waxit, Caxit? - The Centre for Independent Studies
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Brexit, Waxit, Caxit?

CJ caxit catalonia flag catalan 2Exits are the new black. The ongoing withdrawal of Britain from the European Union has seen ‘Brexit’ enter daily language. ‘Frexit’ and ‘Grexit’ popped up as France and Greece experienced their own surges of Euroscepticism. More recently, ‘Waxit’ saw Western Australia threatening secession for the umpteenth time. Now, we introduce another to this ever growing compendium — Caxit.

This week, hundreds of thousands of people — a million, according to police counts — poured onto Barcelona streets for the annual Diada, the Catalan national day that marks the loss of self-rule in 1714. This year’s event was particularly charged, with the secessionist ‘Junts pel Sí’ (Together for Yes) coalition using it as a launchpad for an independence referendum on October 1. In the event of a Yes vote, Catalonia could attempt a Caxit within 48 hours.

As more exits are touted, it is clear that people around the world are becoming increasingly frustrated with large, bureaucratic and distant ruling bodies.

Why? It comes down to money. Catalonia makes up 20% of the Spanish economy and 16% of the population, yet it receives only 11% of national expenditure. Similarly, Western Australia contributes 15% of the Australian economy, but receives just 3.7% of GST revenue.

Policies of redistribution and equalisation see many regions feel they are treated unfairly. Cultural differences come a distant second when compared to the hit on the average citizens’ back pocket, and secessionists are seeking greater control of their fiscal affairs. The Catalan regional government made this very clear when it launched their own tax agency last week.

So Barcelona’s marchers, shouting slogans in Catalan and brandishing distinctive Senyera Estelada flags, may as well have been waving wads of cash. For — as always — this is about the money.