With uncertainty over independence, Catalonia is set for its most important National Day demonstrations since Spain’s transition to democracy

The Catalan government has announced its intention to hold a referendum on declaring independence from Spain on 9 November 2014. However, with the Spanish government opposing the referendum, it is unclear what form such a vote would take, or even if it will be held at all. Sebastian Balfour writes on the emergence of a proposal by the Catalan government to hold a non-binding consultation on independence as an alternative, which would nevertheless carry all the political and moral force of a referendum. He notes that in the context of this uncertainty, the traditional demonstrations associated with Catalonia’s ‘National Day’ on 11 September may well be the most important since Spain’s transition to democracy.

ESO: Background information: Catalan self-determination referendum http://www.europeansources.info/record/catalan-self-determination-referendum/

ESO: Background information: Catalan deputy premier suggests independence vote could be delayed http://www.europeansources.info/record/catalan-deputy-premier-suggests-independence-vote-could-be-delayed/

ESO: Background Information: Catalan Day. Hundreds of thousands form human chain for Catalan independence http://www.europeansources.info/record/catalan-day-hundreds-of-thousands-form-human-chain-for-catalan-independence/

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