11.02.2014 - 14:39
Today, a manifesto was presented, signed mostly by self-proclaim ‘German speaking business leaders’ in Catalonia, called the ‘Barcelona Declaration’ in which they express their opposition to Catalonia’s independence. Some of the signers, however, are ex-directors of the businesses which they purportedly represent, and many others refused to give their names, despite claims by the promoters saying they have their support. Not only that, one of the people responsible for the manifesto is Albert Peters, who until 2010 was the head of the German-speaking Business Leaders group (KDF), whose headquarters is in Barcelona. But sources from this organization told VilaWeb that the group has completely disavowed any ties with the document.
This German business leader association said they didn’t want to be mixed up with these matters and that its position with respect to Catalonia’s independence process was one of ‘complete neutrality’.
Most of the business leaders who signed the manifesto did so in a personal capacity only, because their businesses didn’t want to declare their positions. Among these are the CEO of BASF Spain, Erwin Rauhe, who actually is Italian, born in Southern Tyrol, and is part of the minority that speak German within Italy. According to sources who spoke with VilaWeb, BASF communicated to the Catalan government its displeasure with Mr. Rauhe’s statement.
One of the other signers is Hans Peter Vogelsanger, who owns a small gardening business with annual sales of less than half a million euros and fewer than ten employees. The company has two websites, neither of which works: hpwood.com/ and botanic-house.com/.
Indeed Hans Peter Vogelsanger is better known for his activity in equestrian jumping, as he is the director in Barcelona of the International Jumping Championships.
This manifesto says that Catalonia should remain within Spain, and not become independent because it would be ‘weak and be expelled from Europe’.
