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Catalonia crisis in 300 words Catalonia crisis in 300 words
(10 days later)
The ongoing stand-off between Catalonia and the Spanish government in Madrid is complicated. Let's break it down.The ongoing stand-off between Catalonia and the Spanish government in Madrid is complicated. Let's break it down.
What is Catalonia?What is Catalonia?
Catalonia is a region in north-east Spain. It has its own language, parliament, flag and anthem. It even has its own police force and controls some of its own public services, such as schools and healthcare.Catalonia is a region in north-east Spain. It has its own language, parliament, flag and anthem. It even has its own police force and controls some of its own public services, such as schools and healthcare.
It is one of Spain's wealthiest and most productive regions and has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.It is one of Spain's wealthiest and most productive regions and has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.
Why the controversy?Why the controversy?
The Catalan parliament approved an independence referendum which went ahead on 1 October despite being suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court.The Catalan parliament approved an independence referendum which went ahead on 1 October despite being suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court.
The Spanish government tried to stop voting and hundreds of people were hurt in scuffles with police at polling stations. The Spanish government declared the poll illegal and there were clashes when police tried to prevent people attending polling stations.
While Catalan authorities say just under 90% of voters backed independence, turnout was only 43%. Catalan authorities say just under 90% of voters backed independence, although turnout was only 43%.
What have both sides said?What have both sides said?
Catalan leaders declared an independent republic but immediately suspended its implementation.Catalan leaders declared an independent republic but immediately suspended its implementation.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said he wanted negotiations on the region's exit from Spain.Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said he wanted negotiations on the region's exit from Spain.
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has responded by asking the Catalan government to clarify whether or not it has declared actual independence. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy responded with plans to remove Catalonia's leaders and hold regional elections as soon as possible.
What happens next?What happens next?
Depending on the Catalan government's answer, the government in Madrid could impose direct rule on the region. Mr Rajoy will now send his list of proposed measures to Spain's Senate - which his party and its allies control.
That would mean suspending Catalonia's powers to make its own decisions on public services such as education and healthcare. He said his measures would not dissolve the parliament of the region, or amount to suspending its autonomy, though it may not be seen that way by supporters of Catalonian independence.
Why does the crisis matter?Why does the crisis matter?
There is no suggestion that the crisis could degenerate into an armed conflict but it could damage the region and Spain as a whole economically, bringing new instability to the eurozone.There is no suggestion that the crisis could degenerate into an armed conflict but it could damage the region and Spain as a whole economically, bringing new instability to the eurozone.
It could also set an example for other countries with secessionist movements in Europe.It could also set an example for other countries with secessionist movements in Europe.
Want to know more?Want to know more?