Pain in Spain How a constitutional crisis left a country on the verge of revolution
Q What has happened in Spain?
A Some people living in Catalonia, in northeastern Spain, wanted the region to become an independent nation and break away from Spain. They argued it would be more prosperous governing itself. It has a population of some 7.5 million people, its own language and generates about a fifth of the country’s wealth.
A referendum held on Oct 1, had been declared illegal by the Spanish government and the country’s top court. The poll descended into violence when national police used force in an attempt to stop people voting, leaving hundreds of Catalans injured.
In the days since the referendum – which the Catalan government said was won by the “yes” vote – the region threatened to proceed with the secession, although agreed to hold discussions with the Spanish government.
On Friday, Catalonia’s regional parliament passed a motion to establish a new republic independent of Spain – prompting unprecedented retaliation from the Senate in Madrid as it authorised the Spanish government to impose direct rule.
Q What powers did Catalonia have previously?
A Catalonia is one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, which are governed according to the constitution and their own laws known as Statutes of Autonomy. Catalonia, with one of the highest levels of self-rule, has its own parliament, government and president, as well as a range of powers over policies such as transportation and public safety. However, issues such as foreign affairs and the armed forces are the responsibility of the Spanish government.
In 2006 the region was given more devolved powers on healthcare and education, but a move by Spain’s Madrid-based Constitutional Court four years later to strike down some parts of the earlier agreement provoked anger among pro-independence Catalans. The latest move would mark the first time in four decades of democratic
rule in Spain that the national government will directly run the affairs of one of the country’s autonomous regions, a move that could fan the flames of the Catalan revolt.
Q Why does it want independence now?
A Many Catalans have long believed the region’s differences from the rest of Spain means they should break away. The last surge for independence began seven years ago.
Spain’s recent financial crisis and ensuing austerity measures have contributed to a rise in support for secession. Some Catalans say they contribute more in taxes to the Spanish treasury than they get back.
Q What is going to happen next?
A It is unclear whether Catalonia will actually become independent of Spain any time soon, with Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister adamant that Spain won’t split.
But if it does, the ramifications would be huge. Numerous questions will have to be answered, such as how Catalonia will take control of its foreign affairs and defence, and all the issues currently managed by central government.
There could also be the prospect of Catalonia no longer being part of the European Union, and having to find a new currency.