Uncertainty grows over Catalonia's future
- 7 years ago
Catalonia’s future becomes more uncertain by the hour after thousands on Sunday filled the streets of the region’s capital Barcelona to protest against independence from Spain.
After months of looking as if separatist forces were dominating the public debate… the so-called “silent majority” of Catalans have found their voices.
Huge pro-Spain, anti-independence, march in Barcelona now. People shouting love for Spain AND Catalonia. Lots of and Catalan flags. pic.twitter.com/y8ktK82hpK— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) October 8, 2017
The final results from the referendum in the wealthy north-eastern region suggested 90% of the 2.3 million people who voted backed independence. Turnout was 43%.
There have been several claims of irregularities, and many ballot boxes were seized by Spanish police.
Nearly 900 people were injured as the police, trying to enforce a Spanish court ban on the vote, attempted to disperse voters.
Thirty-three police officers were also hurt.
The political stand-off between unionists and separatists has already had economic repercussions with banks and companies moving their headquarters outside Catalonia. A major real estate firm is the latest to hold an emergency board meeting over the situation.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is standing firm refusing to say if he will trigger Article 155 of the constitution – the so-called “nuclear option” which allows him to sack the regional government.
Which means Spain awaits Tuesday’s crucial address by Catalan’s separatist leader Carles Puigdemont to the Catalan parliament amid speculation he could ask the assembly to declare independence.
After months of looking as if separatist forces were dominating the public debate… the so-called “silent majority” of Catalans have found their voices.
Huge pro-Spain, anti-independence, march in Barcelona now. People shouting love for Spain AND Catalonia. Lots of and Catalan flags. pic.twitter.com/y8ktK82hpK— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) October 8, 2017
The final results from the referendum in the wealthy north-eastern region suggested 90% of the 2.3 million people who voted backed independence. Turnout was 43%.
There have been several claims of irregularities, and many ballot boxes were seized by Spanish police.
Nearly 900 people were injured as the police, trying to enforce a Spanish court ban on the vote, attempted to disperse voters.
Thirty-three police officers were also hurt.
The political stand-off between unionists and separatists has already had economic repercussions with banks and companies moving their headquarters outside Catalonia. A major real estate firm is the latest to hold an emergency board meeting over the situation.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is standing firm refusing to say if he will trigger Article 155 of the constitution – the so-called “nuclear option” which allows him to sack the regional government.
Which means Spain awaits Tuesday’s crucial address by Catalan’s separatist leader Carles Puigdemont to the Catalan parliament amid speculation he could ask the assembly to declare independence.