Spain: the referendum on the independence of Catalonia is "illegal"
The independence referendum announced for November 9 by Catalan nationalists "can not be held, "because it is" illegal ",
said on Tuesday 25 February, the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy,
at the opening of annual debate on the state of the nation. "Nobody can not unilaterally deprive all the Spanish people the right to decide their future, "said the Prime Minister, a little strengthening its opposition to the referendum .
The leader of the Catalan Government, Artur Mas nationalist, had
announced in December an agreement with other regional forces, begin by pro-independence left Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) 's, to organize a referendum on self-determination region.
The question is twofold, he had announced: "Would you that Catalonia is a state?"And if yes:" Do you want this state to be independent?"But the head of the Spanish government, even if it says" ready for dialogue, "it is otherwise:" This is the whole Spanish people who have the power to decide what should be the Spain ."
Catalonia, north-east of Spain to the strong cultural and linguistic
identity, populated by 7.5 million people, has in recent years
experienced a surge of nationalist sentiment, fueled by the economic
crisis fueled a sense of injustice and increased political tensions.
The area, which was one of the economic engines of Spain before becoming one of the most heavily indebted countries, specifically criticized the central government not to redistribute wealth fairly and calls for greater fiscal autonomy.
"All those who claim to change the Constitution can the request , but following the same rules as the Constitution establishes.That is the rule of law, "said Mr Rajoy.
