El País: Independence in Catalonia – Now What?

The Catalan regional premier relied on results of a referendum to declare and then quickly suspend independence for Catalonia. The declaration has been “received by an unshakeable rejection on the part of the opposition in Catalonia, all of the parties in Spain – whether on the left or the right – and the entire European Union,” explains David Alandete for El País. Opponents of independence held a massive protest, and companies are relocating. Adding to the uncertainty are reports of voting irregularities and external forces, including Russia, whipping up anger over social media. European leaders oppose the plan and, backing Spain, contend that Catalonia would not automatically become a member of the European Union. Spain’s government insists the referendum lacks legitimacy. Spain’s ruling and opposition Socialist parties have agreed to “suspend the autonomy of Catalonia” unless “Catalan Premier Carles Puigdemont does not renounce his independence declaration.” Such a move includes promises to work on some constitutional reforms and would be followed by new regional elections. – YaleGlobal