Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Spain Moves to Block Catalan Bid to Fast-Track Independence

Spain says it has appealed to the Constitutional Court to block a measure passed by the regional parliament of Catalonia that would allow it to fast-track a declaration of independence if its voters choose to secede from Spain in a planned Oct. 1 referendum.

MADRID (AP) — Spain says it has appealed to the Constitutional Court to block a measure passed by the regional parliament of Catalonia that would allow it to fast-track a declaration of independence if its voters choose to secede from Spain in a planned Oct. 1 referendum.

The legal challenge is the latest by the central government in Madrid to block the vote.

Announcing it Friday, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy reiterated there would be no referendum because it was unconstitutional.

The Barcelona-based Catalan Parliament hopes the measure approved Wednesday will allow the wealthy, northeastern region to declare independence within 48 hours of the referendum.

Polls consistently show the 7.5 million Catalans are evenly divided on secession, but a majority wants a referendum.

The issue has embittered relations between Spain and Catalonia for years.

Categories / Government, International, Politics

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...