Catalonian Referendum - Part II

Click here for Part I

Why in news?

Spain’s Central government said that it will move to seize some of the Catalan regional government’s powers.

What was the measure?

• Separatist leaders of Catalonia recently conducted a referendum.
• The majority voted ‘yes’ for separation. The supporters of ‘no’ mostly restrained from voting.
• Following this, Catalonia’s separatist leader indicated that he could declare independence.
• The central government in Madrid had warned that it would trigger Article 155 of Spain’s Constitution unless separatists backed down.
• This measure will allow them to impose direct rule over the wealthy north-eastern region.
• If Madrid triggers Article 155, in response, Catalan lawmakers could vote to declare secession unilaterally.

What could be the consequences?

• In such case Madrid might potentially suspend the present Catalan government and take over its police force.
• Catalans who even oppose independence cherish their autonomy highly.
• So this could spark unrest in a region.
• The Catalonia crisis has prompted a series of huge street rallies and worried investors.
• More than 800 companies have moved their legal headquarters out of Catalonia, citing the risk of instability.
• Madrid has cut its national growth forecast for next year to 2.3%.
• This also adds to the woes of a European Union already grappling with Brexit.

Source: The Hindu