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Why in news?
Spain’s Central government said that it will move to seize some of the Catalan regional government’s powers.
What was the measure?
- Separatist leaders of Catalonia recently conducted a referendum.
- The majority voted ‘yes’ for separation. The supporters of ‘no’ mostly restrained from voting.
- Following this, Catalonia’s separatist leader indicated that he could declare independence.
- The central government in Madrid had warned that it would trigger Article 155 of Spain’s Constitution unless separatists backed down.
- This measure will allow them to impose direct rule over the wealthy north-eastern region.
- If Madrid triggers Article 155, in response, Catalan lawmakers could vote to declare secession unilaterally.
What could be the consequences?
- In such case Madrid might potentially suspend the present Catalan government and take over its police force.
- Catalans who even oppose independence cherish their autonomy highly.
- So this could spark unrest in a region.
- The Catalonia crisis has prompted a series of huge street rallies and worried investors.
- More than 800 companies have moved their legal headquarters out of Catalonia, citing the risk of instability.
- Madrid has cut its national growth forecast for next year to 2.3%.
- This also adds to the woes of a European Union already grappling with Brexit.
Source: The Hindu
