Barcelona says unilateral independence the only way forwards

The Catalan Govern warned today that unilateral independence is their only way forwards after Rajoy closed off any chance of negotiating a referendum. Mariano said that the whole referendum debate was a bluff by Puigdemont (President of Catalunya) and that no doubt he was really planning to call regional elections and increase his minority government. He -or rather his VP Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (for Rajoy never talks directly to the press if it can Continue reading Barcelona says unilateral independence the only way forwards

Catalonia signs independence agreement

The Catalonian regional parliament has declared it will start the process of creating a “new independent state in the form of a Republic”. The agreement, backed by all the main independence parties, also agrees to ignore all rulings from the Spanish Constitutional Court and to “exclusiviely” obey those rules issued from the regional parliament. The parliament has agreed that the Constitutional Court no longer has any power with Catalonia as the process it has embarked Continue reading Catalonia signs independence agreement

European Commissions issues a “fake declaration” over Catalan independence

EU President Juncker issued a strongly worded response to a question tabled by a PP MEP on whether Catalonia could become independent country recognised by the EU. The Spanish version of Juncker’s response left no room for doubt – Catalonia could not become independent in the eyes of the EU unless the Spanish parliament permitted it. This was quite a scoop, because the EU has been faffing about refusing to be clear about the matter Continue reading European Commissions issues a “fake declaration” over Catalan independence

Rajoy loses it on national radio and is rather publicly humiliated

There’s a reason PM Rajoy doesn’t do more interviews – he’s crap at them. He went on Onda Cero’s “Más de Uno” national radio show today to talk about this weeks Catalan elections, which the nationalist parties are turning into a referendum. Rajoy told presenter Carlos Alsina that “if the nationalists win, everyone in Catalonia will lose their Spanish and European nationalities”. No they won’t, said Carlos. And why not? Asked Rajoy in a puzzled Continue reading Rajoy loses it on national radio and is rather publicly humiliated

Pro-Independence parties could win at the Catalan elections

Thus ensuring all hell breaks loose. The coalition of pro-independence parties Junts pel Sí looks set to become the biggest party after the 27 Sep votes in Catalunya, which are being touted as an unofficial referendum on the future of the region. Throw in the projected 8 seats that are going to the other pro-indep party CUP and they have enough seats for an absolute majority. President Mas of Catalunya, who now looks set to Continue reading Pro-Independence parties could win at the Catalan elections

Catalonia already secretly working on a new Constitution

Catalonia has leaked the news that the nationalists are already drawing up a new Constitution in the event that the region breaks away from Spain. The main nationalist parties agreed some months ago to ask 10 of the regions most respected scholars, jurists and intellectuals to drawup a draft Constitution – and they have already agreed on the first 60 articles. Santiago Vidal, senior Judge at the Barcelona Provincial Courts, admitted to El Mundo that Continue reading Catalonia already secretly working on a new Constitution

60% of Catalans want outright independence from Spain

According to a survey by the influential CIS organisation, 59,6% of Catalans want outright independence from Spain. But the survey also shows that people are more outraged about the denial of their basic democratic rights: 87.3% of the population would accept the result of a referendum, the same survey shows, and only 9.3% would continue to fight after a legal and fair referendum.

PP-PSOE establish a “hotline” and joint working group against Catalan independence

The PP and the PSOE are believed to have formed a joint working group of top brass, together with a direct “hotline” between the leaders of both parties, with the sole intention of presenting a united front against Catalan independence. Rajoy has publicly said that he will not go down in history as the PM who allowed Spain to fracture, and Rubalcaba (the PSOE leader of the opposition) is as firmly opposed to any talk Continue reading PP-PSOE establish a “hotline” and joint working group against Catalan independence

“Unilateral independence still on the cards” warns Catalan President

Más of Catalonia warned last night that he refuses to rule out the possibility of “unilateral independence” for the region if Madrid continues to refuse to discuss greater autonomy for Barcelona. “It’s not our first option, or the best one, nor the one we want. But it is still our last resort” he warned Madrid. Más announced on Thursday that he would call a referendum on greater autonomy for the region in November, against the Continue reading “Unilateral independence still on the cards” warns Catalan President

Catalonia independence consultation vote called for 9th November

Artur Más, the President of Catalonia, has defied Madrid and ordered a “referendum” on independence to be called for the 9th November. Madrid has already told Catalonia it can’t hold the vote, but Barcelona has said “tough, we’re going to anyway”. Más said in the regional parliament today that the Catalonia question was more like Scotland than Crimea, and that it was a pity that Madrid couldn’t be more like London and follow the proper Continue reading Catalonia independence consultation vote called for 9th November