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: 3, Insightful) by bob_super on Saturday October 28 2017, @01:38AM
> How else can you see this ending? Catalonia has now declared independence
That's how it goes next: "A group of elected people illegally declared independence, based on an illegitimate referendum, and we do not recognize the declaration".
The actual ending? That depends 100% on the next fair elections. If the independentists gain popularity and get an outright majority, Madrid is legitimately screwed. If the independentists lose any ground, Spain stays together.
Madrid has a lot of work to do to make sure they get the result they want. Which is hard when the Spanish economy sucks, you've already come down hard on the dissenters, and you don't really have more autonomy to offer.