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Catalonia crisis in 300 words Catalonia crisis in 300 words
(about 5 hours later)
The ongoing stand-off between Catalonia and the central Spanish government in Madrid is complicated. Let's break it down.The ongoing stand-off between Catalonia and the central Spanish government in Madrid is complicated. Let's break it down.
What is Catalonia?What is Catalonia?
Catalonia is an autonomous region in north-east Spain with a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.Catalonia is an autonomous region in north-east Spain with a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.
The wealthy region has its own language, parliament, flag and anthem. It also has its own police force and controls some of its own public services. The wealthy region has its own language, parliament, flag and anthem. It also has its own police force and controls some of its public services.
Why the controversy?Why the controversy?
On 27 October, the Catalan parliament declared independence, in a 70-10 vote.On 27 October, the Catalan parliament declared independence, in a 70-10 vote.
This came after an independence referendum on 1 October, in which just under 90% of Catalan voters backed independence. Turnout was only 43%. This came after an independence referendum on 1 October, in which just under 90% of Catalan voters backed independence. However, turnout was only 43%.
That poll went ahead despite being suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court.That poll went ahead despite being suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court.
There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people attending polling stations.There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people attending polling stations.
What has been Madrid's response?What has been Madrid's response?
Spain has repeatedly said the independence referendum was illegal.Spain has repeatedly said the independence referendum was illegal.
Just minutes after the Catalan parliament's vote on Friday, Spain's Senate approved the imposition of direct rule over Catalonia, under Article 155 of Spain's constitution.Just minutes after the Catalan parliament's vote on Friday, Spain's Senate approved the imposition of direct rule over Catalonia, under Article 155 of Spain's constitution.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy earlier said this would not lead to the dissolution of Catalonia's parliament or the suspension of the region's autonomy. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy later said he was dissolving the Catalan parliament and calling regional elections for 21 December.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has warned the parliament in Barcelona will respond to "the worst attack" on Catalonia since the dictatorship of Gen Franco. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has warned the parliament in Barcelona will respond to "the worst attack" on Catalonia since the dictatorship of General Franco.
Why does the crisis matter?Why does the crisis matter?
There is no suggestion that this could degenerate into 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 this could degenerate into 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?