Abstract
We present a relativistic spin-fermion model for the cuprates, in which both the charge and spin degrees of freedom are treated dynamically. The spin-charge coupling parameter is associated with the doping fraction. The model is able to account for the various phases of the cuprates and their properties, not only at low and intermediate doping but also for (highly) over-doped compounds. In particular, we acquire a qualitative understanding of high-Tc superconductivity through Bose-Einstein condensation of bound charge pairs. The mechanism that binds these pairs does not require a Fermi sea.