Placa Catalunya, Barcelona Photo: Tango7174/Wikimedia Commons
Spain was heading for more unrest and uncertainty as the Catalan regional Parliament Friday declared independence.
Catalonia holds key importance for Spain with its wealth, economic output, banking, tourism attraction and human resource capital.
As the Catalan Parliament approved a vote for Independence with 70 in favor and ten against, the Spanish main Parliament endorsed direct rule over the region.
Maintaining a stern policy, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been urging direct control with a purpose to to return “law, democracy and stability” to Catalonia.
Although, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has asked people to be peaceful, Spanish and European experts say any violence or backlash to it would be setback to Spain’s economy and jolt its unity.
Much will depend on how the Spanish leaders react to the unfolding situation but analysts fear violence, even the breakout of a civil war if
Madrid responds to the situation with repressive actions.
Friday’s vote follows a referendum earlier this month when, according to the Catalan government, 90% of the votes spoke in favor of independence.
Catalans have been undeterred despite Spain’s Constitutional Court declaring the vote illegal, and crowds celebrated Friday’s independence vote with songs and dances on the streets.
Major Western powers including the United States, Britain, France and Germany have expressed their support for a united Spain while, according to a BBC report, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU “doesn’t need any more cracks, more splits.”
