This afternoon, Catalonia declared independence. At the same time, Spain invoked article 155, to strip Catalonia from its governing powers putting it under direct rule from the federal government. A vote for independence was raised in Catalonian parliament, with part of parliament leaving before the vote on independence started. The motion declaring independence was approved with 70 in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions of the normal 135 total.
From RT: https://www.rt.com/news/407956-catalan-parliament-votes-independence/
From Aljazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/catalan-parliament-begins-vote-independence-171027115908493.html
From BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41780116
It will be interesting to see how things unfold. In my opinion, Madrid using violence to stop a referendum gave it the legality they later claim the referendum didn't have. The lack of dialogue paved the way into the only possible outcome, Catalonia declaring independence and Madrid denying it. Whatever happens next, I hope will be peaceful. As to how the EU reacts, I'm hoping they ask for an official referendum, and whatever the outcome, pledges that both Catalonia and Spain will be able to remain in the EU if they desire. That may release tensions a bit.
(Score: 2) by Geotti on Saturday October 28 2017, @01:50AM (1 child)
Wut?! You do understand the fine difference between the US, which has been colonized and became a nation at some point and a supranational organization like the EU, which is not a nation and will hardly ever be one, don't you? A constitution would be great, a federal system would be awesome, but currently the eurosceptics are gaining more momentum every day and unless the causes for this are eliminated, the EU is going to break apart before that happens.
(Score: 1) by khallow on Saturday October 28 2017, @03:43PM
I'm not so confident in that matter. The blob has already usurped a fair bit of power from its member nations.