Here is a list of questions surrounding the election and Catalonia’s secessionist push:
Q1. Why do Catalans want to be independent?
People who favour independence say Catalonia, which has its own language and culture, is a “nation” - not a “nationality” as recognised by the Spanish constitution - and that as such they should be allowed to have their own state. They also say that Catalonia, one of Spain’s wealthiest autonomous communities, is transferring too much in tax revenues to poorest regions and would be better off economically if it was independent.
Q2. How and when separatists hope to achieve independence?
The secessionist plan promoted by Junts pel Si has three different steps– 1. A solemn declaration from the regional parliament that the independence process has started, which just took place on Monday. 2. Asking Catalans to take part to a constituent process fuelled by public debates and leading to the approval of a new constitution by referendum. 3. A national unity government building up the structures of the new state, like a treasury, a central bank or an army, 4. The process, which should not exceed 18 months, would culminate into a declaration of independence.
Q3. How and when can the Spanish state stop a Catalan independence?
The first two phases of the process are political and could be carried out within the limits of the Spanish and Catalan laws. A referendum to approve the new constitution would however be blocked in court because it goes against the Spanish constitution, as would the structures of the new state and a declaration of independence. The Spanish government has tabled an urgent reform of the constitutional court to give it enough clout to stop any unilateral move from the Catalan authorities. The court already blocked in Septtember a Catalan law that would have paved the way for the creation of a Catalan treasury.
Q4. What’s the end game?
All political analysts and most politicians believe the standoff could be resolved by a renewed dialogue between Catalan and Spanish authorities that would lead to a better tax deal and increased infrastructures spending for the region. Many also say that a wide-ranging constitutional reform that would include specific articles to protect the Catalan language and culture and would be approved by a national referendum is also needed. A poll from Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia showed that 63% percent of Catalan voters would back a new constitution or a more flexible interpretation of the existing one.