CATALONIA took a momentous step into the unknown yesterday as its parliament made a unilateral declaration of independence – the boldest move yet in its long-running battle for secession from Spain. But Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy reacted last night by sacking the Catalan Cabinet and announcing the dissolution of the government.
He said new elections in Catalonia would be held on December 21. The move came after senators voted through the measures in Article 155 of the constitution – the so-called nuclear option.
Earlier, the decision by members of the Catalan parliament, which is situated in Ciutadella Park, Barcelona, was greeted with cheers and tears from the tens of thousands of flag-waving Catalans outside the building.
They watched on a big screen as Speaker Carme Forcadell announced the result – a 70 votes to 10 majority for the Yes camp after opposition members walked out ahead of the vote. MPs erupted in applause and chants and stood to sing the Catalan anthem, along with dozens of guests, while Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and his vice president, Oriol Junqueras, exchanged embraces. Rajoy had earlier called for calm on social media before his government’s Senate passed the controversial Article 155, which gives him powers to take over Catalan government functions – the first time they have been used in four decades of democracy in the country.
A central government spokesman warned that the Cabinet would immediately enact the measures.
The proposal that was approved in the Catalan Parliament had been submitted by the ruling Junts pel Si (Together for Yes) coalition and their allies in the left-wing Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party.
It stated that “we establish the Catalan Republic as an independent and sovereign state of democratic and social rule of law”.
Former speaker of the parliament, Joan Rigol, said: “Today is the day that many Catalans’ long-held desire will be fulfilled, but tomorrow the cruel reality will set in with the Spanish state armed with its interpretation of Article 155.”
“We can only hope that the conflict remains in the political realm.”
The motion called for an independence process that includes drafting new key laws for Catalonia and opening negotiations “on equal footing” and without pre-conditions with Spanish authorities to establish co-operation.
“Today the parliament fulfilled the long-desired and fought-for step. In the days ahead we must keep to our values of pacifism and dignity. It’s in our – in your – hands to build the republic,” said Puigdemont.
The motion also urged the international community and European Union officials to “stop the ongoing civil and political rights violations and to follow up on the negotiating process” with Spain.
Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary, said Europe had a “political and moral responsibility” to support dialogue, while the Catalan people must be able to decide their own future.
“We understand and respect the position of the Catalan government,” she said. “While Spain has the right to oppose independence, the people of Catalonia must have the ability to determine their own future. Today’s Declaration of Independence came about only after repeated calls for dialogue were refused.
“Now, more than ever, the priority of all those who consider themselves friends and allies of Spain should be to encourage a process of dialogue to find a way forward that respects democracy and the rule of law. The imposition of direct rule cannot be the solution and should be of concern to democrats everywhere.
“The European Union has a political and moral responsibility to support dialogue to identify how the situation can be resolved peacefully and democratically.”
However, UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s official spokesperson said: “The UK does not and will not recognise the Unilateral Declaration of Independence made by the Catalan regional parliament.
“It is based on a vote that was declared illegal by the Spanish courts. We continue to want to see the rule of law upheld, the Spanish Constitution respected, and Spanish unity preserved.” Meanwhile, EU President Donald Tusk said that “for the EU nothing changes”.
In a tweet, he said: “Spain remains our only interlocutor. I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force.”
Rajoy, leader of the conservative Partido Popular, told the chamber in Madrid that Spain was facing a challenge not seen in its recent history.
What was happening in Catalonia was “a clear violation of the laws, of democracy, of the rights of all, and that has consequences”, he said.
Rajoy said the special measures were the only way out of the crisis, adding that Spain was not trying to take away liberties from Catalans, but trying to protect them.
A spokesman for Spain’s prosecutors’ office said officials would seek to bring rebellion charges for those responsible for the independence vote.
Under Spanish criminal law, rebellion can be punished by up to 25 years in prison, with shorter penalties if it does not lead to violence.
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