Catalonia to spilt from Spain?

Carles Puigdemont the regional head of Catalonia announced that Catalonia will hold referendum for independence from Spain on October 1^st 2017.  The referendum will take place in Catalonia despite criticism raised by Madrid claiming it to be illegal. 

Background

Catalonia located in the northeastern part of Spain has retained its identity over centuries. The state consists of 17 territories and 2 cities. It is partly autonomous as it is under the limits of the self-rule regions under the Spanish Constitution. It is also considered to be a prosperous region as it contributes 2% towards the European GDP annually.

Over the years Catalonia has maintained its individual identity despite being subjected to persecution during the military government of Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. Sentiments for independence has been on the rise in the recent years.

Analysis

Puigdemont in his statement said that there exists no social conflict between Catalonia and the rest of Spain. It is a political conflict where Catalonia’s demand to be recognized as an independent nation has been rejected time and again by Spain.

Despite demands for referendum, Madrid and Catalonia failed to negotiate terms which ultimately resulted in Puigdemont announcing the date of the referendum without Madrid’s consent to the same. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has claimed such a referendum to be "unconstitutional".

Assessment

 As per the Constitution of Spain the entire country must vote in case of a referendum. Catalonia’s decision of holding the referendum only in the region clearly violates the provisions of the Constitution.  The fight for independence will not be easy. Catalonia must prepare itself to face the reaction from Madrid and the rest of Spain. Madrid on the other hand can invoke Article 155 of the Constitution and directly get involved in the region and prevent the referendum from taking place.

If Catalonia succeeds and becomes independent it will face various hurdles. Being a new country it will have to be prepared to face backlash from its counterpart Spain. It will also have to prove itself to the European Union.