Madrid are pushing for Article 155 that would suspend Catalan autonomy. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...ans-to-respect-decision-to-impose-direct-rule Madrid announcing it will fire Catalonia's government. http://www.dw.com/en/spain-announces-intent-to-sack-catalonias-government/a-41059612
It is a very good way to set off guerrilla war. What is the Spanish Government aiming to get out of it - another Franco?
Granny says dey gonna end up with a revolution on dey's hands... Spain Takes Control of Catalonia, Pushing a Crisis Into Higher Gear October 21, 2017 - Carles Puigdemont woke up this Saturday morning as president of Catalonia, but by lunchtime, he was out of a job. For the first time in its nearly 40 years of democracy, Spain has acted upon Article 155, the provision in its constitution that permits it to revoke powers from autonomous regions during times of crisis. And as Puigdemont knows better than anyone, Catalonia is nothing if not a crisis. See also: Spain Catalonia: Foreign minister denies 'coup' by Madrid Sun, 22 Oct 2017 - The foreign minister tells the BBC the government is only acting in line with the constitution.
Catalonians do not favor independence, this is a ruse by a failed 'Govern' to distract from it's abysmal performance. There is nothing to support the claim 43% of the electorate participated in the unconstitutional referendum, nor that 90% of the ballots they cast supported independence. With no registered voters, nobody overseeing the balloting, no authorized supervision of ballot counting, voters having printed their own ballors and citizens refusing to vote in a judicially outlawed election, the claim of any sort of "mandate" is dubious at best. Most Catalans oppose independence, as was evident in the huge protest on October 8th (and another one this Sunday in support of the 'Govern's' ouster). All across Barcelona balconies are festooned with Spanish flags, we don't consider the huge number of non Catalans who reside in the region. As the economic powerhouse Catalonia has always been, it is a magnet to Spaniards from the whole country who flock there for jobs and opportunities, they are somewhat offended by this promotion of Catalan pride when it becomes insulting of their own regional identities. Many analysts are concerned over the fissures becoming evident in Catalonian society. Another factor we fail to account for is the strong business sense that pervades this region, this is a cultural trait that has facilitated Catalonia's economic success, these are a people who have a strong concern for economic opportunity and prosperity, they are entrepreneurial, innovative and have a history of successful business promotion. Thousands of businesses have relocated their headquarters, the two largest banks of the region and a number of 'flagship' Catalonian businesses are moving out worried about the negative impact this push for independence will bring. The anti-Spanish rhetoric from the 'Govern' has them worried about their appeal to their most important market (Spain). Hotel bookings have dropped in this major tourist destination, distributors in the rest of Spain are seeking non-Catalonian substitutes. The international community has not reacted well to the 'Govern's' demands, the EU has been mild in it's concern over Spain's use of police to prevent the referendum, they've been unanimous in their support for upholding Spain's constitution and the rule of law. It is now evident the 'Govern' misled the Catalonians into believing they'd be able to join the EU and remain in the Eurozone. Spain will not endorse Catalonian membership in the former (and this would be required), and Catalonia's debt (coupled with it's worsening economic condition) precludes Eurozone membership. Puigdemont messed up, his lousy administration is a coalition of separatists with varying commitments, the more determined of which already renounce him for not unilaterally declaring independence the day after the "referendum". He had sought to bargain with Spain an amicable split that would allow the region to join the EU without opposition and negotiate the debt so Spain would guarantee Catalonian banks and they could join the Eurozone. Rajoy won't negotiate territorial integrity and his position was strengthened by unanimous EU support, which was foreseeable given the many members with their own aspiring secessionists. Now it appears Puigdemont will not forestall ouster by calling for regional elections (an option he had a week ago). He may declare independence Friday, by Monday he will be a memory.
If Spain is no longer whole, all laws say they're no longer in the EU and the remaining fractions need to apply for EU membership.
Catalan President may face arrest as Madrid imposes measures stripping the region of its autonomy... Catalonia independence: Spain to take control of Catalan institutions Mon, 30 Oct 2017 - The Catalan leader may face arrest as Madrid imposes measures stripping the region of its autonomy.
the catalonian ministers that came to madrid have been arrested, and the remaining ministers in brussels got a international warrant over their heads, not exactly something you would expect in europe, to see a Democratic Goverment Arrested and clear attempts to get any pro-independence movement out of the way before the election. i gues they might be arrested soon but nobody in belgium seems eager to do that, especially not in Flanders Wouldnt be suprised if it wil take some time before this happends and perhaps years before they get returned to Spain, especially if they can proof in court here that they wont get a fair trial in Spain. Marking Spain as a unsafe country would definatly cause some waves to
Catalonian leader surrenders to Belgium authorities... After Puigdemont fails to answer summons, Spain plans retort Friday 3rd November, 2017 |Catalonian leader surrenders to Belgium authorities.. As ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont failed to comply with a summons ordering him to appear for questioning in Spain’s National Court on Thursday - the country planned its next move. See also: Brussels to ‘study’ arrest warrant for Puigdemont Sun, Nov 05, 2017 - Brussels will “study” an EU arrest warrant issued by Spain for Catalonia’s deposed leader, who is currently in Belgium, a spokesman for the country’s state prosecutor told reporters. “We’re going to study it and then give it to a judge,” Eric Van der Sijpt said.
Exiled Catalan President to Campaign From Brussels... Catalan’s Fugitive Leader to Campaign From Brussels November 15, 2017 — The fugitive leader of Catalonia’s secessionist movement said Wednesday that he will again be his party’s leading candidate in upcoming elections for the Spanish region while he fights extradition from Belgium.
