Catalan independence

Spain now finds itself mired in its worst political crisis since the death of dictator Gen. Francisco Franco and the creation of a democratic Spanish state in 1978. The crisis stems from a growing desire in Catalonia to secede and form an independent nation.

This would be a good time for a cooling off period. In the run-up to the independence referendum, the attorney general threatened to arrest mayors who allowed the balloting to take place.

The government also warned postal workers not to handle referendum-related mailings and threatened to cut off electric power to polling places.

Granted, Catalan leaders should have observed a federal court order barring the referendum, but the Franco-style response by the national government made the situation worse.

Central government caretakers are in charge in the Catalan capital, Barcelona, until a new government can be elected Dec. 21.

Until that vote, efforts by the national government to criminalize peaceful behavior and imprison those pursuing a nonviolent political dream will exacerbate the crisis at a time when passions and rhetoric need to settle down.

If the central government wants Catalans to vote in a new pro-unity slate, it should stop ham-handed attempts at intimidation.