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Catalan independence movement

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.

Protesters hold esteladas or independence flags as they take part in a demonstration during the Catalan National Day in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. 

In Catalonia, ruling separatist parties split, signaling end of an era

Global Politics
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
A group of people gather around a flag in a night-time protest with low lights

‘Ideals can’t be derailed by jail sentences’: Thousands protest jailing of Catalan separatists

Protest
a police squadron covered in colorful powder

Thousands protest in Barcelona for and against Catalan independence

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

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

Global Politics

Spain’s biggest political crisis in decades mounted on Friday when secessionists in the Catalan parliament voted to declare the wealthy northeastern region of some 7.5 million people an independent republic. But not everyone in the region is on board.

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.

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.