truck-drivers

The truck-drivers' strike in Portugal and Spain is potentially a very serious issue, much more than in any other European country, to the point that, if unchecked, it can end up overthrowing democratically-legitimated governments.

Spanish and Portuguese people have a long history of tax revolt. Actually they are considered the most experienced at it in Western countries, if not in the whole World (see here and here). This is part and parcel of their deeply Catholic tradition. This is a tradition that for a long time has recognized the right of people to revolt against unjust government. To this day this is a principle consecrated in official Catholic doctrine in no ambiguous terms (see here Cathecism:2242 quoted).

Contrary to Protestant people, Catholic people are not known for their lawfulness. Their less than full respect for law is what gives them that freedom of action which is so typical of Catholic countries and what makes them at times seem anarchic and chaotic. This is a people who between right and law will opt for right. Once the law is broken for what they see as being right, these people easily become unruly, starting a process of uncontrollable consequences where an often initial insignificant motive ends up in massive social unrest.

(Update at 11:30 am.: In late-morning news, Bloomberg is now reporting that Spanish truck-drivers are jamming highways in the country as negotiations with government failed).