Sánchez's 'Catalunya compromise' satisfies nobody
Friday, September 7, 2018 @ 2:29 PM
Spanish president Pedro Sánchez's attempt to play devil's advocate over Catalunya has resulted in a proposal that both sides of the independence debate consider unworkable: a referendum on self-governing.
Given that the Spanish Constitution in its current form – unchanged since its signing in December 1978 – does not allow any action that could 'threaten the unity' of the country but does enshrine the 17 autonomous governments in law, the present interpretation is that any referendum on Catalunya's independence would be illegal, even if non-binding.
In a bid to bridge the ideological gap, Sánchez has offered Catalunya the chance to vote on whether or not they should be self-governing, but the Catalunya Left Republicans (ERC) have urged him to 'be brave' and go for a full-on self-determination poll.
Meanwhile, Pablo Casado, leader of the right-wing PP – ousted from national leadership by Sánchez's socialist party in early June after six-and-a-half years – says there is little point in a 'self-governing' vote.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com