Rajoy Refuses to Negotiate, Ridicules Catalan Independence
Spain’s obstinate prime minister probably only makes Catalans more determined to break away.
Analysis and commentary about the independence crisis in Catalonia by Nick Ottens (based in Barcelona) and Ainslie Noble (an expert in Basque and Catalan identity issues).
Spain’s obstinate prime minister probably only makes Catalans more determined to break away.
Catalonia’s regional president says the region could secede within a year and a half after elections.
The vast majority of Catalans who voted want to break away from Spain.
For the parties that favor Catalan independence, it is important to get turnout over two million.
Spain’s richest region votes in a “consultation,” defying a constitutional court ban.
Spain leaves separatists in Catalonia with little choice but to declare independence outright.
Separatists in Catalonia call off plans for an independence referendum. But not really.
Spain’s refusal to give the Catalans a say in their future has galvanized the independence movement.
Regional president Artur Mas wants to consult Catalan voters on independence.
Left- and right-wing parties join forces to force a referendum on secession.
A majority of Catalans back parties that want to break away from Spain.
Interregional solidarity, one of the pillars of European integration, is under pressure.
The outcome underscores the unpopularity of Spain’s socialist prime minister.