"I will call a referendum in accordance with a legal framework," he launched no further details at the first press conference a crucial year for the controversial project.
After over a year of open conflict between the region and Madrid, Artur Mas threw a bomb December 12 setting, in agreement with the components of the majority in the regional parliament, the independent left ERC, date November 9, 2014 for a referendum on independence.
The question is twofold: "" Do you want that Catalonia is a State Yes or no? ".And if the answer is "yes", "" Do you want this state to be independent. '"The head of the Spanish Conservative government, Mariano Rajoy, responded immediately from Madrid, ensuring that the vote, which he considered unconstitutional," will not take place. "
Sanctions
Decided to defend his project abroad, Artur Mas has sent a letter to the end of December the leaders of countries in the European Union, French President François Hollande, in which he claimed instead that the vote could be organized in accordance with the Constitution, provided that Madrid show some political will.
"We do not understand how, 35 years after (the adoption of) the Constitution, the Spanish government does not find a way to sit at a table for the people of Catalonia to express themselves at the polls" Has he said Tuesday.
Holding unauthorized by Madrid referendum could result in penalties such as forced resignation from his position as President or cancellation of the autonomous status of community of Catalonia.
Catalonia, one of the richest of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain, the strong cultural and linguistic among its 7.5 million inhabitants identity, is facing a strong push for independence for over a year, largely as a result of the economic crisis that has fueled resentment against the central government.
