Spain: Senate to approve suspension of Catalonia’s autonomy October 27 /update 18

Event

On Friday, October 27, the Spanish Senate is expected to approve the suspension of Catalonia’s regional autonomy, which will dismantle the Catalan executive and take control of the region’s police (Mosssos d‘Esquadra), public media outlets, and Parliament. Current Regional President Carles Puigdemont will be effectively stripped of all powers and replaced by a representative appointed by Madrid. According to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, the central government will organize new regional elections within six months.

Catalan leaders have affirmed they will refuse all attempts by Madrid to take control of the region and a pro-Catalan independence party has called for civil disobedience if direct rule is imposed upon Catalonia. The Parliament has scheduled a plenary session on Thursday, October 26, as it debates a unilateral declaration of independence. Student unions have announced a strike on October 26, and further associated rallies and protests are likely throughout the region, notably on Thursday and Friday.

Context

The central government in Madrid can suspend Catalonia’s regional autonomy by invoking Article 155 of the Constitution. Catalan leaders were given an ultimatum to renounce their plans for independence by Thursday, October 19, or face the imposition of direct rule. Instead, Puigdemont reiterated his call for negotiations on October 19 and promised to officially declare independence if the efforts for dialogue fail.

Spain was thrown into a constitutional and political crisis after Catalonia held an independence referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, on October 1. Despite the series of logistical and judicial obstacles enacted by the central government to prevent the vote, 42 percent of the Catalan population participated in the referendum, 90 percent of which voted in favor of independence. At least 893 people were injured in clashes in Catalonia between pro-independence protesters and police on October 1.

Since the referendum, periodic demonstrations have erupted throughout the region. Following Prime Minister Mariano Raroj’s announcement on October 21, 450,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona.

Advice

Individuals present in Catalonia, and Spain more generally, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation. Travelers should anticipate heightened security across Catalonia and carry proper identification documents (passport, visa if applicable, etc.) at all times.