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Carles Puigdemont

A Catalan pro-independence protestor wearing an Estelada, or Catalan independence mask, stands in front of police, not seen, during a protest in Barcelona, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.

In Spain, the price for power? Forgiving separatists.

Global Politics

Spain’s socialist party seems ready to form a coalition government after inconclusive elections in July. But to do so, they’ve had to promise to grant amnesty to fugitive Catalan separatists for their attempt to break away from Spain in 2017. The Catalan separatists’ party has become kingmaker, but folks on the right say the deal threatens Spain’s democracy.

People hold a Catalonian independence flag, as they march during a demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of a failed independence referendum, in Barcelona, Spain, late Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. 

Struggle for self-determination: Part I

Critical State
People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018.

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont to appear in German court after protests flare

Conflict
People wait a line as long as three business fronts to vote in Catalonia's regional elections.

Moment of truth for independence drive as divided Catalonia votes

Global Politics
Pro-unity supporters take part in a demonstration in central Barcelona

Massive crowds turn out for an anti-independence rally in Barcelona

Global Politics
Demonstrators gather outside the Catalan regional parliament in Barcelona, Oct. 27, 2017.

Catalonia’s lawmakers vote for independence from Spain

Global Politics

The Catalan Parliament approved the region becoming a republic, but the Spanish government is moving to take back control.

Ada Colau

Barcelona’s mayor is on a quest to ‘feminize’ politics amid independence debate

Global Politics

The conflict between proponents of Catalan independence and Spanish unity has reached a head this week, as Catalan President Carles Puigdemont continues to threaten to declare unilateral independence while Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy takes steps to revoke the region’s autonomy. Almost daily pro- and anti-independence rallies throughout the country echo the leadership’s division, only ratcheting tensions.

People wave Catalan flags during a demonstration organized by Catalan pro-independence movements following the imprisonment Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, in Barcelona, Oct. 21, 2017.

Catalan party threatens ‘massive’ civil disobedience against Spain

Global Politics

Catalonia’s parliament will hold a plenary session on Thursday to decide its response to the central government’s move to dismiss the region’s government while other independence activists have promised civil disobedience.

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy speaks during a press conference in Madrid

Spain says it will dismiss Catalonia’s government and call elections

Global Politics

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Saturday that his government will move to dismiss Catalonia’s separatist government and call fresh elections in the region in a bid to stop its leaders from declaring independence.

Students wear Catalan flags as they block a street during a protest in Barcelona.

How Spain could suspend autonomy in Catalonia

Global Politics

Spain’s vow Thursday to take over at least part of Catalonia’s regional powers due to its drive for independence would involve triggering the never before used Article 155 of Spain’s constitution.