Madrid ramps up pressure on Catalonia

Spain’s Guardia Civil police have detained a dozen senior Catalan officials and raided regional government ministries ahead of a planned referendum on independence, which Madrid insists is illegal

COLLISION COURSE
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

2010: Spain’s constitutional court strikes down key terms of Catalonia’s 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%

Sep 27, 2015: Pro-sovereignty forces win majority of seats in Catalan parliament

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

Jun 9: New Catalan president Carles Puigdemont calls unilateral referendum on Oct 1

Sep 20: After police raids, Puigdemont accuses Madrid of “de facto” suspension of Catalan
autonomy and imposing state of emergency


PORTUGAL
SPAIN
Madrid
Barcelona
CATALONIA
FRANCE
ANDORRA


Sources: DIPLOCAT, Wire agencies Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images
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