The regional government of Catalonia, Spain, has set a Catalan independence referendum for 1st October 2017. The Catalan Parliament had approved this referendum on 6th September 2017. The approval was given along with a law which states that independence would be binding with a simple majority without requiring a minimum turnout.
Catalonia on Sunday voted for 'independence' from Spain in a controversial referendum. Over 90% voted for Catalonia's freedom from the European nation. The Catalan Parliament had approved this referendum on 6th September 2017. The approval was given along with a law which states that independence would be binding with a simple majority without requiring a minimum turnout.
What is Catalonia Referendum?
Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain is located on the northeastern parts of the city with its own local Parliament. People living in Catalonia are a part of a distinct entity since the 11th century.
Executive and Local government carry out the regional elections of the Parliament. A push for the Catalonia as a self governing region has been existing since the 1970's, with the establishment of the democracy. an entire movement on Catalonia's independence evolved after the fallout from the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008.
Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia states that it is the richest region of Spain, accounting to 25% Spanish exports.
The local political parties of Catalonia, CDC (Democratic Convergence of Catalonia) and UDC (Democratic Union of Catalonia), have actively agitated for independence on the grounds of a failing national economy. The region was paying more taxes and gaining less of benefits.
Catalonia was simply asking for a deduction in the Spanish tax system under which money is transferred from the richest regions to the poorest. Targeting and exploiting the Catalonian region, Spain created this situation for themselves.
In support for independence over 2.25 million- 81 % people voted in favour of the independence movement in 2014. The upcoming referendum puts across a simple question the Catalans i.e: “Do you want Catalonia to be an independent country in the form of a republic?”
Spain's Response
The Spanish Government has vowed to stop this unconstitutional vote count. Catalonia's pro independence government plans to maintain and challenges the Spanish Constitutional Court's order to suspend the vote.
"It's not just about independence. Spain is making itself a fool with the international community," Raul Romeva, Catalonia's minister of foreign affairs, told ABC News, adding that there are only two possible paths for Spain to take: "Democracy or repression."
Raiding the polling locations in the region La Guardia Civil, the Spain's oldest law enforcement agency, confiscated 10 million paper ballots and detained 14 Catalan officials.
Following this, 6000 ballot boxes have been stored in a secret location for the upcoming referendum. Street protests are being carried out against the the interference of the Spanish Government.
As the people of Catalonia see their region as a nation in its own right with a rich history, stable economy and Coastal Metropolis of Barcelona as the capital,Catalonia will try to stage an illegal referendum on independence from Spain.
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