Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 1979 facts for kids
The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia is an important law for the region of Catalonia in Spain. Think of it like a special rulebook that explains how Catalonia can govern itself. It makes Catalonia an "autonomous community" within Spain. This means Catalonia has its own government and can make many of its own decisions, but it's still part of Spain.
This law was first put into action on September 18, 1979. It's one of many similar laws given to different regions across Spain after the country became a democracy in the 1970s. Later, in 2006, people in Catalonia voted to change the Statute. These changes gave the Catalan government even more power.
Catalonia actually had a similar self-governing law back in 1932. But this law was removed by General Francisco Franco after the Spanish Civil War. During his rule, Catalan culture, language, and self-rule were not allowed.
Contents
How Catalonia Governs Itself
The main group that handles Catalonia's self-government is called the Generalitat de Catalunya. It's made up of three parts:
- The Parliament (where laws are made)
- The President of the Generalitat (the leader)
- The Executive Council or Government (who carry out the laws)
Since 1979, Catalonia has slowly gained more and more power to manage its own affairs.
What Catalonia's Government Can Do
The Generalitat has full control over many areas, such as:
- Culture
- Environment
- Communications
- Transportation
- Business
- Public safety
- Local governments
However, in areas like education, health, and justice, the Catalan government shares power with the Spanish national government.
Catalonia's Own Police Force
Catalonia has its own police force called the Mossos d'Esquadra. This name means 'squad lads'. They are now in charge of most police work in Catalonia. Before, the Spanish national police forces, like the Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional, did more of this work. The Spanish government still keeps some of its police in Catalonia for serious matters like terrorism and immigration.
Justice System in Catalonia
Most of the justice system in Catalonia is run by national Spanish courts. The laws are generally the same across all of Spain. However, Catalonia has its own special rules for "civil law". This part of the law deals with things like family matters, property, and contracts.
More About the Statute
- Catalonia
- Generalitat de Catalunya
- Autonomous communities of Spain
- Spanish transition to democracy
- Statute of Autonomy
In Spanish: Estatuto de autonomía de Cataluña de 1979 para niños
