Spanish court blocks Catalonia breakaway attempt

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has labelled Catalonia’s actions as “undemocratic”.

The Constitutional Court of Spain has this week formally blocked secession proceedings from Catalonia in a further deepening of the standoff between Madrid and the northern region…

A ruling by the high court in Madrid batted-away a resolution passed by Catalonia’s regional parliament last week setting out an 18 month roadmap for establishing an independent state free from Spanish rule.

But the high court said: “This is a warning to Catalan leaders that if they fail to comply with the suspension, they may commit disobedience.”

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy waded into the debate on Wednesday, stating: “It’s not just a reaction to a motion passed in parliament; this is about defending a whole country. This is blatant disregard for the state’s institutions. They are trying to do away with democracy. I will not allow it.”

The spat is rooted in Catalonia’s long-held belief that independence from Spain is in the cultural and economic interests of the Catalan people. With an economy that accounts for one-fifth of Spain’s, a distinct language and massive support for independence, the regional leaders of Catalonia feel confident that the will of the people is strong enough to carry them through.

Despite having to kowtow to Madrid, leaders elected in Catalonia in September have vowed to ignore rulings passed down by the Constitutional Court. “The will of the Catalan people cannot be suspended,” said Oriol Junqueras, leader of one of the Catalan independence parties. “We are committed with our democratic mandate.”

Although support for secession within Catalonia is strong, other regions are divided about their claims for independence, with many autonomous communities arguing that they each have strong and identifiable cultures, dialects and cuisines – this, they say, is what makes Spain such a fascinating and welcoming country.

At a legal level, Madrid’s appeal to the Catalan assembly’s resolution means that any preparations that Catalonia could have made for independence will have to be suspended for several months, as per standard practice at the Constitutional Court.

By that time, Spain will have held its general election – scheduled for December 20 – and could be led by a different party and new Prime Minister.