Spain: Oct. 9 Catalan parliament session suspended /update 9

Event

On Thursday, October 5, Spain's constitutional court announced the suspension of the Catalan parliament's upcoming session scheduled for Monday, October 9. The constitutional court's move is widely considered an effort to block a unilateral Catalan declaration of independence on Monday; the court said such a declaration would constitute a "breach of the constitution."

Additionally, a general strike is planned throughout Catalonia on October 9 to denounce the violent crackdown of the Civil Guard and national police against the October 1 referendum vote. Intersindical-CSC, one of the unions that called for a general strike on Tuesday, is now calling for an additional general strike to resume across Catalonia between October 10-16.

A heightened security presence and significant transportation disruptions are expected in Catalonia in the coming days in anticipation of possible large-scale retaliatory protests from pro-independence activists.

Context

On Thursday, October 5, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy again called on Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to avoid unilaterally declaring independence, refusing Puigdemont's call on Wednesday for international conflict mediation between Spain and Catalonia. Spanish King Felipe VI also excoriated Catalan leaders on Tuesday in a televised statement for their "irresponsible behavior" in dividing Catalan society and violating democratic principles. According to the Barcelona City Council, some 300,000 people participated in rallies and protests during a general strike on Tuesday, October 3, that closed roads, public transportation, and businesses.

Catalonia's bid for independence had been decried as illegal by the central government, which had attempted to block the vote through a series of logistical and legal measures. Shortly before preliminary results of the referendum were released on October 1, Rajoy claimed that "today there was no referendum on self-determination in Catalonia." According to Catalan officials, 42.3 percent of Catalans voted, 90 percent of which were in favor of independence. At least 893 were injured in clashes in Catalonia between pro-independence protesters and police on October 1.

Advice

Individuals present in Catalonia, and Spain more generally, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of travel reservations and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.