Spain Struggles With Catalonia’s Push for Independence

MIN READJun 9, 2017 | 20:14 GMT

Opinion polls show that most Catalans want a referendum, but they also want it to be fully legal and with the authorization of the Spanish state. And most support an option that is not on the table: remaining in Spain but with additional autonomy.

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

Independence movements in Catalonia continue to frustrate Spanish leaders in Madrid. On June 9, the government of Spain's autonomous region of Catalonia announced plans to hold an independence referendum on Oct. 1. The Spanish government said it would not take any concrete action in response to what so far is only a verbal statement, but Madrid also insisted that it would not let the vote take place....