Catalonia demands new deal from Spain

Report of a FT interview with Artur Mas, Prime Minister of Catalonia, January 2012.

He said that Catalonia would demand in 2012 a new economic deal from Spain that would give it more autonomy and cut the amount of money it must transfer to other, poorer regions. If the Spanish central government were to refuse, pressure for a 'divorce' of the two would continue to intensify.

Mr Mas drew parallels with the situation in Scotland, where there are similar demands for independence or greater devolution of powers from central government in London.

ESO: Background information: In Catalonia, upcoming vote gives little hope for more autonomy http://www.europeansources.info/record/in-catalonia-upcoming-vote-gives-little-hope-for-more-autonomy/

ESO: Background information: Madrid targets regions in austerity drive http://www.europeansources.info/record/madrid-targets-regions-in-austerity-drive/

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