Debate on possible independence of Catalonia: key issues

Catalonia, a prosperous region in north-eastern Spain, has an autonomous Parliament. At present, parties in favour of Catalan independence have a majority in this Parliament, and earlier this year the regional administration requested Madrid’s permission to hold a binding referendum on independence. The Parliament of Spain rejected this proposal, and the replacement “popular consultation” which was due to take place on 9 November has been effectively blocked by the Constitutional Court. The Catalan Government still hopes to hold some form of vote on 9 November, but it is unclear whether this will go ahead. This note provides an overview of recent developments and key issues in the debate.