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.

• Primary Source

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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