Brussels, 10/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Catalans have called on the European Union to bring pressure to bear on the Spanish government, to allow them to hold a referendum on independence.
We have “not seen this declaration”, said Margaritis Schinas, European Commission spokesperson, on Monday 10 November. He added that it is “not the role of the European Commission to express an opinion on an issue which is a matter for the constitutional order of our member states”.
On Sunday 9 November, 80% of more than 2.2 million Catalans came out in favour of independence for Catalonia, in an indicative popular consultation on the right to self-determination. This mobilisation was a success for the Catalan leader, Artur Mas.
Speaking out against the “antidemocratic” nature of the initiative, the Spanish authorities have announced that they will be investigating whether to set judicial measures in place. (MB)