Catalonia calls referendum on split from Spain

Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, has called an independence referendum for October 1, stepping up confrontation with the Spanish government which maintains such a vote is illegal

PORTUGAL SPAIN Madrid FRANCE ANDORRA Barcelona

COLLISION COURSE

2010: SpainŐs constitutional court strikes down key terms of CataloniaŐs autonomy statute

Sep 11, 2012: 1.5m people take part in independence rally in Barcelona

Sep 20: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy rejects Catalonia bid for greater fiscal independence

Nov 9, 2014: Catalan authorities stage symbolic poll on secession, despite strong opposition from Madrid. More than 80% vote in favour, but turnout is only 40%

CATALONIA: 7.5 million people make up 16% of SpainŐs population, which accounts for almost 19% of national GDP

Sep 27, 2015: In regional elections presented as independence plebiscite, pro-sovereignty forces win majority of seats with 48% of popular vote

Mar 2017: Former Catalan president Artur Mas banned from public office for two years over 2014 symbolic vote
on independence

Jun 9: Catalan government sets date for unilateral referendum on Oct 1
 
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Sources: DIPLOCAT, Wire agencies

Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images