Date Published: October 31, 2017
The Breakdown
The Breakdown
In recent weeks tensions have become more strained after Catalonia voted to become independent of Spain against the warnings of officials in Spain. The Spanish government later responded by invoking Article 155 in its constitution. This is the first time the government has ever used this part of its constitution meaning that it would be venturing into virtually unknown territory. Before the issue can be fully understood you must first understand the reasons behind these actions.
Where?
Catalonia is located on the eastern parts of Spain and includes richer provinces like Barcelona which is also the second-most populated municipality in Spain. This area also includes the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union (EU). To bring attention briefly to why this matters, Spain stands to lose twenty percent of its economy if Catalonia were to leave the union.
Why?
In 2015, Separatists gained a majority in Catalonia’s regional government. Fast forward to today and these leaders helped orchestrate a referendum in which ninety percent voted in favor of independence. Fast forward to recent days and Spain has responded by imprisoning key leaders and invoking Article 155 which in layman’s terms means that the government can suspend the regional government and impose direct rule until new officials are voted in.
In 2015, Separatists gained a majority in Catalonia’s regional government. Fast forward to today and these leaders helped orchestrate a referendum in which ninety percent voted in favor of independence. Fast forward to recent days and Spain has responded by imprisoning key leaders and invoking Article 155 which in layman’s terms means that the government can suspend the regional government and impose direct rule until new officials are voted in.
Next Steps?
Catalan leaders plan to challenge Spain’s takeover by lodging an appeal in Spain’s Constitutional and Supreme courts against Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s decision to remove Catalonia’s government. If it is not overruled in Spanish courts the matter will be pursued in international courts.
Why does this Matter?
If Catalonia were to exit Spain it would bring about the question of sovereignty and debt. Specifically, how much of Spain’s debt it would assume and whether it would be recognized by other bodies. The first question can only be answered through dialogue. Which has been practically cut off by Rajoy’s decision to invoke Article 155 in its Constitution. If Catalonia were to leave without taking a piece of Spain’s debt, Spain would be faced with economic difficulties because a large part of their economy would leave with Catalonia. And if they were to not make one of their payments they could fall into a recession of their own.
Were Catalonia to secede it would no longer be a part of the European Union meaning it would have to renegotiate trade and protection agreements with its neighbors. As of now France’s European affairs minister, Nathalie Loiseau has said that “If there were to be a declaration of independence, it would be unilateral, and it would not be recognized”. Without support from the international community and neighbors, Catalonia would be virtually isolated which would not help its industries grow and thrive.
As always international matters while distant can and will affect us back home for it can change the dynamics of trade and relationships between countries.
This article will be updated as new developments form.
