Catalonia (attempted) independence referendum 2017

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41284764

Catalonia (attempted) independence referendum 2017

Madrid is insistent on blocking the October 1st referendum on Catalonian independence

The flags of Spain and Catalonia

The Spanish government has given the regional government in Catalonia 48 hours to abandon "illegal" referendum plans or lose budgetary powers. Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro said a mechanism had been approved for the state to take control of the autonomous region's finances.

Madrid is seeking to stop the Catalan government spending public money on its planned independence referendum.
The Catalans are defying a court order to suspend the 1 October vote. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont launched his campaign for a "Yes" vote on Thursday night in the town of Tarragona, telling a rally at a former bullring: "Vote, and in so doing bring light to darkness that has lasted for too many years."

The crowd shouted back, "Independence", "We will vote" and "We're not afraid", AFP news agency reports.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was taking the unionist cause directly to Barcelona on Friday, addressing a meeting of his Popular Party in the Catalan capital. If the deadline is not met, the central government will take over the funding of most essential public services in the region, Mr Montoro said.

"These measures are to guarantee that not one euro will go toward financing illegal acts," he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency after a cabinet meeting in Madrid. The takeover would last as long as the "situation", he explained. Public finances are a particularly sore point for Catalans who for years have contributed more to the state budget than they get back in spending on public services.

Left to Right: The Spanish Prime Minister, the King of Spain and the Catalonian First Minister

Secessionists in the wealthy region in north-eastern Spain pushed ahead with their referendum project after winning control of the region's parliament in 2015, buoyed by a wave of discontent with rule from Madrid.

The Spanish government refuses to countenance a referendum on self-determination for the region of 7.5 million people, insisting the country is indivisible.

More than 700 Catalan mayors who have agreed to help stage the referendum now face criminal investigation and police have been ordered by Spanish prosecutors to seize ballot boxes, election flyers and any other item that could be used in the referendum.

The separatists have promised to declare independence within days if, as expected, the Yes vote prevails at the referendum.

The situation is actually quite worrying as to where it could lead. Strange how it has got so little coverage.

In my view, the unity is Spain is important - Catalonia is Spain and should remain so. The attempted division of the great nations of Europe over paltry financial issues is absurd and a great shame, as well as empowering the likes of the EU/Germany/France by unbalancing power on the continent. However, you have to wonder if the Spanish government is handling this well by allowing the pressure cooker to build - I don't know the answer.

At the moment the outcome is very unclear as to what will happen - will sufficient numbers of Spanish Unionists in Catalonia boycott the referendum to render it void as the Spanish government is urging? Will Madrid begin prosecutions for those attempting to hold the referendum? If a Yes outcome arises, will Barcelona declare UDI and dare Madrid to send in troops?

Thoughts? Do you support Catalonian independence or the unity of the Kingdom of Spain?

[FlyingJesus]

Going about it entirely the wrong way and they'll end up having even less independence since every move will be scrutinised by Madrid. Fact of the matter is they're simply not self-sufficient and should be lobbying government for greater control of local taxes rather than trying to create an entire new country and losing what control they do have

[-:Undertaker:-]

Spanish police arrest Catalan minister involved in planning for banned independence vote https://t.co/yF03l3EsP2

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) September 20, 2017

Development this afternoon.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Tomorrow is D-Day.

El Independiente reports King Felipe is considering a statement to the nation after whatever happens in Catalonia on Sunday. https://t.co/vys1jjTSsg

— The Spain Report (@thespainreport) September 28, 2017

"If they left, it would be like losing a limb," a Madrid lawyer said of Catalonia. "It's all we talk about." https://t.co/USAsuYyJ5M

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 30, 2017

Supporters of an outlawed independence referendum in #Catalonia rally on the final day of campaigning pic.twitter.com/2MvS4GTK6r

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 30, 2017

"We don't know what can happen tomorrow" - Thousands hold pro-unity rally in Madrid on eve of #Catalonia vote https://t.co/Q9INboaGkC pic.twitter.com/lyglFDXZbv

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 30, 2017

Opinion: Spaniards who never thought much about national identity and separatism are being forced to now https://t.co/EtB7jcsYWl

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 30, 2017

Police in Catalonia have given parents, children and activists a deadline to leave the region's schools https://t.co/rfvGQMjnbV

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) September 30, 2017

Riot vans, Police from across Spain and general backup have been arriving in Catalonia over the past week.

The question is, if things spiral out of control down the UDI route - will Madrid be able to control the streets of Barcelona?

[-:Undertaker:-]

Around 800 injured today with clashes between Spanish security forces and Catalonian Police Forces.

Also scenes like this will not do Madrid any favours. The next 24 hours are going to be critical.

Breaking: Speculation Catalonia will declare UDI... certainly the rhetoric seems to indicate this. If so, then Madrid will either have to accept the independence of Catalonia or will have to send in troops - at which point this could turn nasty, especially in Barcelona.

BREAKING: Separatists urge Catalonia government to declare independence from Spain after violent police crackdown on vote.

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 1, 2017

President of Catalonia's government Carles Puigdemont says Catalan citizens have won the right for an independent state

— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) October 1, 2017