Parliament approves a ‘democratic unilateral mechanism’ to split from Spain

The Catalan Parliament approved on the 27 July 2016 the conclusions of the Committee to Study the Constitutive Process, which established the next steps in Catalonia’s pro-independence process. The pro-independence forces in the Parliament, governing cross-party list ‘Junts Pel Sí’ and radical left CUP, which represent a majority of 72 MPs in the 135-seat Catalan Parliament, voted in favour of the conclusions, while alternative left alliance ‘Catalunya Sí que es Pot’ voted against. The Spanish Socialist Party (PSC) refused to vote and Spanish Unionist ‘Ciutadans’ and the Conservative People’s Party (PP) expressed their rejection by leaving the Chamber before the vote.

One of the most controversial points approved by the Parliament foresees launching a 'democratic unilateral mechanism which will allow the calling of the Constitutive Assembly', the body which will be responsible for writing the Catalan Constitution. Thus, the Parliament ignored the Spanish Constitutional Court (TC)’s warnings that called for impeding any action regarding the constitutive process of a Catalan republic.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: 47.7% of Catalans would vote for independence, highest figure since 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/47-7-of-catalans-would-vote-for-independence-highest-figure-since-2014/

The Guardian, 27.07.16: Catalonia tells Spain it will push for secession with or without assent https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/27/catalonia-independence-spain-democratic-mandate

CNA: Tag: Pro-independence roadmap http://www.catalannewsagency.com/tag/Pro-independence%20roadmap

CNA, 27.07.16: Spain responds to Parliament’s vote on pro-independence roadmap by appealing to the TC again http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/spain-responds-to-parliament-s-vote-on-pro-independence-roadmap-by-appealing-to-the-tc-again

Spain: La Moncloa: Statement by Government of Spain on resolution adopted by Regional Parliament of Catalonia on Wednesday http://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/presidente/news/Paginas/2016/20160727-statement-resolu.aspx

---