29 Sep 2014
Catalonia's President signs decree calling for independence referendum
FXStreet (Bali) - The Spanish region of Catalonia went one step further to celebrate a day of self-determination à la Scotland, known as 'consultation', after the President, Artur Mas, signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence on Nov 9th.
Catalonia is set to hold a Scottish-style independence vote, however, unlike Scotland, the regional government does not have the approval of the central government, who has continuously demanded Catalonia authorities to call off what they perceive as a violation of the constitutional laws in the country.
The Spanish government, through Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz, told the press that any vote would be illegal, adding that "this referendum will not be held because it is unconstitutional." PM Rajoy is set to hold a special cabinet meeting on Monday, demanding Spain's Constitutional Court to stop the process.
However, Mr. Mas, Catalonia's President, has reiterated that even if faced with strong opposition from Madrid, the referendum for independence will go ahead. Mas said "Catalonia wants to speak, wants to be heard, wants to vote, and now is the right time and we have the right legal framework to do so."
Catalonia is set to hold a Scottish-style independence vote, however, unlike Scotland, the regional government does not have the approval of the central government, who has continuously demanded Catalonia authorities to call off what they perceive as a violation of the constitutional laws in the country.
The Spanish government, through Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz, told the press that any vote would be illegal, adding that "this referendum will not be held because it is unconstitutional." PM Rajoy is set to hold a special cabinet meeting on Monday, demanding Spain's Constitutional Court to stop the process.
However, Mr. Mas, Catalonia's President, has reiterated that even if faced with strong opposition from Madrid, the referendum for independence will go ahead. Mas said "Catalonia wants to speak, wants to be heard, wants to vote, and now is the right time and we have the right legal framework to do so."