Spain: Catalan snap elections called-off October 26 /update 20

Event

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont announced on Thursday, October 26, that he will allow the Catalan Parliament to decide on the issue of independence from Spain. The move will likely lead the central government to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy using emergency constitutional powers. Earlier on Thursday, local media had reported that Puigdemont intended to call for snap regional elections in an effort to prevent the imposition of Madrid’s direct rule on Catalonia amid the ongoing constitutional crisis. Rumors of the announcement have caused widespread outrage within the Catalan Parliament, whose effectiveness continues to be hampered by internal divisions, and prompted the resignation of at least one pro-independence lawmaker.

Meanwhile, demonstrations across Barcelona continued in response to the news and hundreds of protesters gathered at Barcelona’s Plaça de Sant Jaume in support of independence. The Catalan Parliament is set to hold a plenary meeting later on Thursday to discuss its way forward in the event that direct rule is imposed on the region. Pro-secessionist groups have already promised to support and carry out a civil disobedience campaign. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days.

As a reminder, the Spanish Senate is expected to approve the suspension of the region’s autonomy on Friday, October 27, which will dismantle the Catalan executive and may take control of the region’s police (Mosssos d‘Esquadra), public media outlets, and Parliament. Puigdemont will be effectively stripped of all powers and replaced by a representative appointed by Madrid until fresh regional elections are held.

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 Rajoy’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.