The Catalonia region of Spain has said a referendum on independence is scheduled for next November.
Polls show that about 50% of residents would opt for independence.
Two questions are to be on the ballot: “Do you want Catalonia to be a state?” and “Do you want that state to be independent?”
The notion, however, is unpopular with Madrid, which has said such a vote would go against the Spanish constitution and, therefore, will not go ahead.
The region has been chomping at the bit for independence for a long time. Opinions in favour have grown during the economic crisis which has seen the Spain’s economy, the fourth largest in the eurozone, take a serious nosedive.
Catalonia, traditionally wealthy, is also much in debt. But many there feel the area would be better off if its taxes were not diverted to other parts of Spain.
Opposition to Catalan independence goes hand in glove with Spain’s threats to challenge an independent Scotland’s bid to remain in the EU. Catalonia also wishes to stay in and to keep the euro.
Both the EU and Nato have warned that Catalonia would be excluded if it broke away from Spain.
Catalonia won autonomy from Spain in 1978, three years after Franco died. The region’s 7.5 million people have their own language and cultural traditions.
