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Catalonia crisis in 300 words Catalonia crisis in 300 words
(3 days later)
The ongoing stand-off between Catalonia and the central Spanish government in Madrid is complicated. Let's break it down. Catalonia's drive for independence has plunged Spain into its biggest political crisis for 40 years. It's a complicated dispute, so 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 public services. The wealthy region has about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem. Catalonia 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. For many years Catalan nationalists have complained that their region sends too much money to poorer parts of Spain.
This came after an independence referendum on 1 October, in which just under 90% of Catalan voters backed independence. However, turnout was only 43%. Their budget and taxes are controlled by Madrid.
That poll went ahead despite being suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court. They also say Spain's changes to their autonomous status in 2010 undermined their distinctive Catalan identity.
There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people attending polling stations. In a referendum on 1 October, declared illegal by Spain's Constitutional Court, about 90% of Catalan voters had backed independence. But turnout was only 43%.
What has been Madrid's response? There were clashes when Spanish national police tried to prevent people voting.
Spain has repeatedly said the independence referendum was illegal. The Catalan parliament then independence on 27 October. At the same time Madrid moved to impose direct control by invoking Article 155 of the constitution - a first for Spain.
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. What is Madrid doing?
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy later said he was dissolving the Catalan parliament and calling regional elections for 21 December. The Spanish government has fired the Catalan leaders, dissolved parliament and called 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 General Franco. Sacked Catalan President Carles Puigdemont remains defiant and has urged civil servants to disobey Madrid.
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. The crisis does not look set to 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 is being watched nervously by other countries with secessionist movements in Europe.
Want to know more?Want to know more?