Catalan leader maps out 18-month plan to secede from Spain / Rajoy’s PP meets in Barcelona and strongly criticises independence plans

The President of the Catalan Government, Artur Mas, gave a speech on the 25 November 2014 in Barcelona to propose the next steps in Catalonia’s self-determination process.

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy dismissed as a 'step to nowhere' the proposal for early elections in Catalonia, where a non-binding vote on independence was held earlier in November 2014.

Mr Mas seemed to be suggesting a cross-party pro-independence coalition that would run in the 2016 elections, allowing voters to show whether they supported independence for the region or not.

If results showed 'an absolute majority' supporting the pro-independence group, Catalonia would declare itself independent within the next 18 months, Mr Mas said.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gave a much-anticipated speech on the Catalan problem in Barcelona on the 29 November 2014. He said that 'The unity of Spain will not be negotiated, and we will never discuss it'.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 26.11.14: Spanish PM Rajoy rejects Mas's early Catalan election call http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30214808

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

ESO: Background information: Top prosecutors support legal action against Catalan premier http://www.europeansources.info/record/top-prosecutors-support-legal-action-against-catalan-premier/

ESO: Background information: 2.25 million Catalans participate in non-binding vote, independence option won with 80% support http://www.europeansources.info/record/2-25-million-catalans-participate-in-non-binding-vote-independence-option-won-with-80-support/

CNA, 25.11.14: Catalan President ready to call early elections to achieve independence from Spain in 18 months http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/catalan-president-ready-to-call-early-elections-to-achieve-independence-from-spain-in-18-months

CNA, 24.11.14: Christian-Democrat leader introduces new initiative to promote a Catalan State within Spain http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/christian-democrat-leader-introduces-new-initiative-to-promote-a-catalan-state-within-spain

The Local.es, 26.11.14: Catalan leader unveils 2016 independence plan http://www.thelocal.es/20141126/catalan-leader-unveils-18-month-independence-plan

EurActiv, 27.11.14: Catalonia calls regional election step towards independence http://www.euractiv.com/sections/elections/catalonia-calls-regional-election-step-towards-independence-310378

The Spain Report, 26.11.14: [Editorial] Mas Marches On Towards Secessionist Glory https://www.thespainreport.com/12581/mas-marches-on-towards-secessionist-glory/

The Spain Report, 29.11.14: Catalonia In Open Conflict With Spain, Says Artur Mas, Warning On Debt If Madrid Doesn’t Negotiate https://www.thespainreport.com/12794/catalonia-open-conflict-spain-says-artur-mas-warning-debt-madrid-doesnt-negotiate/

The Spain Report, 29.11.14: Mariano Rajoy Ridicules Plan For Catalan Secession And Says He Will Never Negotiate Unity Of Spain https://www.thespainreport.com/12840/mariano-rajoy-ridicules-plan-catalan-secession-says-will-never-negotiate-unity-spain/

CNA, 29.11.14: Rajoy’s PP meets in Barcelona and strongly criticizes independence plans http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/rajoy-s-pp-meets-in-barcelona-and-strongly-criticizes-independence-plans

The Spain Report, 29.11.14: Leading Catalan Civic Organisation Calls For Quick Regional Elections And A Joint Electoral List https://www.thespainreport.com/12860/leading-catalan-civic-organisation-calls-quick-regional-elections-joint-electoral-list/

The Spain Report, 30.11.14: [Editorial]: Not A Single Catalan Heart Or Mind https://www.thespainreport.com/12866/not-single-catalan-heart-mind/

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