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: 0, Flamebait) by GDX on Saturday October 28 2017, @06:02AM (2 children)
Being Catalonia the part of Spain with most muslins outside Ceuta an Melilla and Islamic radicals, the rapes are going to be the national sport if the secession give fruit.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday October 28 2017, @07:10AM (1 child)
Muslins!!! Is this a new fashion craze?!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday October 29 2017, @06:58AM
If you had read the handbook, you would know that your pointy hood and robes should be of the purest white muslin! Hey, did anyone else see the pics of TMB in Tennessee today? https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/dabfde71c17cc58e8a33a4985e7caf516c0191fc/c=0-34-4676-3550&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2017/10/28/USATODAY/USATODAY/636447964177443460-867463870-94911863.JPG [gannett-cdn.com] Wow, just wow.