Catalan declaration of independence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Declaration of independence of Catalonia |
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| Ratified | 27 October 2017 |
| Signers | 72 of the 135 members of the Parliament of Catalonia |
| Purpose | Unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia as a sovereign republic from Spain |
The Catalan declaration of independence (Catalan: Declaració d'independència de Catalunya; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Cataluña) was a statement approved by the Parliament of Catalonia on 27 October 2017. This document said that Catalonia was an independent country, separate from Spain, and would become the Catalan Republic. However, no other countries in the world recognized this declaration, so it did not become a real law.
On 10 October, after a vote on independence on 1 October 2017 and a big protest on 3 October, a paper declaring Catalonia an independent republic was signed. This paper was signed by members of the Catalan Parliament who wanted independence. The same paper was voted on again on 27 October. Most members (70 out of 135) voted for it. Some members voted against it, and many others left the room. They left because legal experts said the vote could not happen. This was because the law it was based on had been stopped by Spain's highest court.
On the same day, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy used a special rule in Spain's Constitution for the first time. This rule allowed him to take control of Catalonia. He removed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his team. He also called for new elections in Catalonia on 21 December 2017. Spain's Deputy Prime Minister, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, became the temporary leader of Catalonia until the elections.
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Why Catalonia Declared Independence
On 6 September 2017, the Parliament of Catalonia passed a law for a vote on independence. This decision caused a lot of debate. Parties like Junts pel Sí and the CUP supported it. Other parties disagreed, and some did not vote at all. The law said that if most people voted 'yes,' independence would be declared two days later. This would happen no matter how many people voted.
The Catalan Parliament also approved another law. This law was meant to be the main legal guide for an independent Catalonia. It would be used until a new constitution was written, but only if the independence movement succeeded.
However, Spain's Constitutional Court quickly stopped both of these laws. This happened after the Spanish Government asked the court to review them. Even though the court stopped the laws, Carles Puigdemont, who was the leader of Catalonia, ignored the court's decision. He said the laws were still valid.
The vote, which was now illegal, still happened on 1 October 2017. The Catalan government said that 90% of voters chose independence. About 43% of people who could vote actually did. People who did not want independence did not vote, saying it was against the law.
Many people questioned if the vote was fair. There were reports of problems, like people voting more than once. Also, some people who were not citizens voted. Ballot boxes were not sealed, and voting rules changed at the last minute. The Spanish government said these changes were unfair. They also said the vote was against Spain's Constitution. They believed it tried to break up the "unity of Spain."
Neither the Spanish Government nor the European Union said the vote was valid. No country recognized the "Catalan Republic" either. A group of international observers said the vote did not meet global standards for fairness. Before the vote, a survey showed that 61% of Catalans thought the vote would not be seen as legal by other countries.
Key Moments in the Declaration
10 October: The First Steps and Pause
Puigdemont's Important Speech
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A law about the independence vote said that if people voted for independence, it should be declared within 48 hours. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont confirmed this on 3 October. He said, "we are going to declare independence 48 hours after all official results are counted."
The final results were announced on 6 October. Puigdemont then said he would speak to the Parliament on 10 October. Many people around the world expected him to declare Catalonia's independence.
Puigdemont said he believed the vote was valid. He then said, "I accept the people's wish for Catalonia to become an independent state as a republic." But he quickly added that he would "ask Parliament to pause the effects of the declaration of independence." This was so they could have talks in the coming weeks.
His speech confused many people. Some thought he had declared independence and then paused it. Others thought he had simply delayed the declaration.
After Puigdemont's speech, a document called "Declaration from the Representatives of Catalonia" was signed. Members of pro-independence parties signed it in the Parliament building. This document aimed to make Catalonia an independent state and asked other countries to recognize it. It was read aloud, but it was not voted on by the Parliament. It was also not officially published by the Catalan government.
Spain's Response
The Spanish government quickly said that it was "unacceptable to declare independence secretly and then pause it openly." Spain's Minister of Justice called it a "non-declaration of independence."
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy spoke the next day. He gave Puigdemont five days to say clearly if he had declared independence or not. If the answer was 'yes,' there was another deadline. By 19 October, Catalan leaders had to change their minds. If not, Spain would use a special rule (Section 155 of the Spanish Constitution). This rule would let Madrid temporarily take control of Catalonia's local government.
Spain's Foreign Minister said the signed declaration was not legal. This was because it was not voted on and was signed outside of a proper Parliament meeting.
Business Concerns
After Carles Puigdemont's declaration, many businesses started to move their offices out of Catalonia. Even though the declaration had no legal effect, companies were worried. For example, the château de Montsoreau-Museum of Contemporary Art moved its art collection from Barcelona. Small businesses and people with savings also worried. They decided to move their money to banks outside Catalonia because of the uncertainty.
27 October: The Official Declaration
On 27 October 2017, the Catalan Parliament held another vote. This time, a resolution based on the "Declaration of the representatives of Catalonia" was voted on. It declared Catalonia's independence. The resolution passed with 70 votes in favor, 10 against, and 2 blank votes. Fifty-three members of Parliament from opposing parties refused to be there for the vote. They did this because legal advisors said the vote could not happen. This was because the law it was based on had been stopped by Spain's Constitutional Court. The two main pro-independence parties had 72 seats, and 70 of them voted for independence.
27–28 October: Spain Takes Control
On the evening of 27 October 2017, the Senate of Spain voted to use Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution for Catalonia. The vote was 214 in favor, 47 against, with one person not voting. After this, on 28 October, Mariano Rajoy removed the Catalan government. He also closed the Parliament of Catalonia. He then called for a new regional election on 21 December 2017. He put Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría in charge of Catalonia's government functions.
30–31 October: The Declaration is Paused
On 30 October, Parliament Speaker Carme Forcadell canceled a meeting planned for the next day. She said the Parliament "had been dissolved," meaning she accepted Mariano Rajoy's order. Later that day, it became known that Puigdemont and some of his removed team had gone to Belgium. They did this to avoid legal action from Spain. Spain's top lawyer announced that he would bring legal action against them for their actions. At the same time, there were no big protests in Catalonia, and people went back to work as usual. This showed that Spain's direct rule was working, with Spanish officials taking back control with little trouble.
By 31 October, Spain's Constitutional Court of Spain fully stopped the declaration of independence. The removed Catalan government accepted the elections suggested by Mariano Rajoy. Puigdemont and some of his team went to Belgium to avoid being charged by Spain's top lawyer.
What Happened Next
On 2 November, a judge in Spain ordered that eight members of the removed Catalan government be held in custody. This included the former vice-president, Oriol Junqueras. Another minister, Santi Vila, who had resigned over the independence declaration, was allowed to leave on bail. The legal team also asked for international arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four others who had gone to Brussels.
The Catalan elections were held on 21 December. Parties that supported independence won just over half the seats again, with just under half of the total votes.
On 23 March 2018, another Spanish judge ordered five more Catalan ministers to be held. On 25 March, Puigdemont was held in Germany but released a few days later. A German court did not agree to send him back to Spain for the most serious charges.
On 21 June 2021, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that he would pardon those involved in the attempt to separate. Days before, a survey showed that over 60% of Spaniards did not agree with the pardons. Sánchez said it would help calm things down with Catalonia. The Catalan government welcomed his decision.
After the 2023 general elections, a new law was suggested to help reach an agreement between the main government party (PSOE) and a Catalan party (Junts per Catalunya). This law, called the Amnesty Law, aimed to bring "full political, institutional, and social normality." It would affect politicians and citizens involved in the 2014 consultation and 2017 vote who faced legal issues. However, the law would not apply to consequences that had already been officially decided.
This proposed law caused many protests, especially in Spain's capital. Thousands of people showed their unhappiness with the agreement. People were mainly upset about the politicians involved in the independence process being excused. They were also upset about the forgiveness of debt between the Catalan government and the Spanish central government. This forgiven debt was nearly 15 billion euros out of a total debt of 71.3 billion euros that Catalonia owed.
How Other Countries Reacted
No independent country in the world recognized Catalonia's independence. However, two regions that are only partly recognized as countries, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, said they would recognize Catalonia if asked.
Countries on the UN Security Council
China – China said it was Spain's internal matter. It supported Spain's efforts to keep the country united.
France – President Emmanuel Macron said Spain's Prime Minister was France's "only contact" in Spain. He stressed that the situation in Catalonia was Spain's "internal affair."
Russia – Russia said its view had not changed. It considered the situation in Catalonia to be an internal matter for Spain.
United Kingdom – The UK Prime Minister's spokesperson said the UK would not recognize Catalonia's declaration. They said it was based on a vote that Spain's courts called illegal. The UK wanted the law to be followed and Spain to stay united.
United States – The U.S. State Department said: "Catalonia is a part of Spain. The United States supports the Spanish government's actions to keep Spain strong and united."
Other Countries Around the World
Andorra – Andorra believes Catalonia is still part of Spain. It called for talks to solve the situation.
Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan supported Spain's unity and borders. It wanted a peaceful solution based on Spain's laws.
Argentina – Argentina did not recognize Catalonia's declaration of independence.
Belgium – Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said a political problem needs talks to be solved. He asked for a peaceful solution that respects national and international rules.
Brazil – Brazil did not accept Catalonia's declaration. It asked for Spain to stay united.
Bulgaria – Bulgaria supported Spain's laws and unity. It called Spain a "strategic partner."
Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada only recognized one united Spain. He asked for peaceful talks.
Chile – Chile's Foreign Minister said his country would support Spain's unity.
Colombia – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos supported Spain's unity and government.
Croatia – Croatia said the events in Catalonia were Spain's internal business. It supported peaceful solutions that fit European values.
Ecuador – Ecuador asked for the situation in Catalonia to be solved through talks. It wanted this to happen within Spain's laws and with respect for everyone's rights.
Estonia – Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas said Estonia supported Spain's unity. He said internal matters must be solved according to Spain's laws.
Germany – Germany did not recognize Catalonia's declaration. It was worried the declaration would make things worse.
Georgia – Georgia's President fully supported Spain's unity and government.
Hungary – Hungary's Foreign Minister said Catalonia's declaration was Spain's "internal affairs." He hoped the situation would be solved quickly according to Spain's laws.
India – India said Catalonia should deal with its identity and culture issues within Spain's laws. It asked for respect for national unity.
Indonesia – Indonesia did not recognize Catalonia's declaration.
Ireland – Ireland said it respected Spain's laws and unity. It did not accept Catalonia's declaration.
Italy – Italy's foreign minister said Italy had not and would not recognize an independent Catalonia.
Israel – Israel hoped the problem in Spain would be solved quickly and peacefully.
Jamaica – Jamaica did not recognize Catalonia's declaration. It supported a united Spain.
Japan – Japan supported Spain's actions and hoped the situation would be solved peacefully and according to Spanish law.
Lithuania – Lithuania supported Spain's unity and called for talks.
Malaysia – Malaysia did not recognize Catalonia's declaration and respected Spain's unity.
Malta – Malta did not recognize Catalonia's declaration and respected Spain's unity.
Morocco – Morocco did not accept Catalonia's independence process. It supported Spain's unity.
Mexico – Mexico's President said Mexico would not recognize Catalonia's declaration. Mexico hoped for a peaceful solution.
Norway – Norway's Foreign Minister said Norway would not recognize Catalonia's declaration. She asked for the law to be re-established as a basis for talks.
Paraguay – Paraguay asked for respect for Spain's laws and government.
Peru – Peru did not accept any declaration of independence that went against Spain's Constitution and laws.
Poland – Poland fully respected Spain's unity. It believed the dispute was Spain's internal matter. It hoped the situation would calm down quickly according to Spain's Constitution.
Portugal – Portugal would not recognize Catalonia's declaration.
Romania – Romania strongly supported Spain's unity. It firmly rejected Catalonia's declaration. It said international law does not allow changes to borders without the country's agreement.
Serbia – Serbia supported Spain's unity. It said Catalonia's action went against Spain's laws. Serbia rejected similar actions anywhere in the world.
Slovenia – Slovenia said it supported the right of people to decide their own future. It said this must be done peacefully, legally, and according to Spanish and international law.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka fully supported Spain's unity and believed Catalonia was part of Spain.
Turkey – Turkey said the declaration was not a step in the right direction. It did not show the will of the people of Spain and the region. Turkey believed it was important to respect Spain's unity and laws.
Ukraine – Ukraine supported Spain's unity within its internationally recognized borders.
Uruguay – Uruguay did not recognize the declaration of independence. It supported Spain's unity. Uruguay's President said it was Spain's internal matter and hoped for a peaceful solution.
Vietnam – Vietnam said it was Spain's internal matter. It should be solved by respecting the constitution and law, for Spain's unity and stability.
Other Regions and Organizations
Abkhazia said it might recognize Catalonia if asked.
The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh supported Catalonia. It said the problem should be solved peacefully through talks.
The State of Palestine supported a strong and united Spain.
South Ossetia said it would consider recognizing Catalonia if asked.
Republic of China hoped for peaceful talks between Spain's central and regional governments to solve the Catalonia issue.
Regional Governments within Countries
- Belgium
Flemish Region: The leader of Flanders, Geert Bourgeois, supported the Catalan Republic. But he said the decision was up to Belgium's main government.
- Canada
Quebec: Philippe Couillard, the leader of Quebec, spoke against the violence. He encouraged talks between both sides. Quebec's Parliament passed a motion against Spain's "authoritarianism." It asked for international help if Spain and Catalonia could not find a peaceful solution.
- France
Corsica: The President of the Corsican Assembly, Jean-Guy Talamoni, supported Catalan independence.
- Italy
- United Kingdom
Scotland: The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs said Scotland understood Catalonia's position. She said Spain had the right to disagree with independence. But the people of Catalonia must be able to decide their future. She said direct rule was not the answer and should worry everyone who believes in democracy. She also said the European Union should help with talks to find a peaceful and democratic solution.
Wales: First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said that recent events had been a worrying cycle of problems. He said the situation needed talks and diplomacy. He believed it was best for everyone in Catalonia and Spain to find a lasting agreement based on respect.
International Groups
European Union – On 27 October, Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, said: "For EU nothing changes. Spain remains our only contact." The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, also said: "The declaration of independence voted on today in the Catalan Parliament breaks the law, the Spanish constitution, and Catalonia's own rules. No one in the European Union will recognize this declaration. It is more important than ever to bring back legal order as a basis for talks and to protect the freedoms and rights of all Catalan citizens."
United Nations – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres asked Spanish and Catalan leaders to find solutions within Spain's constitution. A UN spokesperson said on 27 October that the Secretary-General encouraged everyone involved to find solutions within Spain's laws and through political and legal ways.
See also
- 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence
- 2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis
- Catalan general strike
- Catalan independence
- 2017 Catalan independence referendum
- Catalan nationalism
- Declaration of the Initiation of the Process of Independence of Catalonia
- History of Catalonia
- Politics of Catalonia
- Law of juridical transition and foundation of the Republic
