Catalan political crisis continues

(Vatican Radio) The political crisis in the Spanish region of Catalonia continues after the President of the autonomous region of Catalonia failed to clarify to the governement in Madrid whether or not he will declare independence.

Following the Catalonian referendum on independence on 1st October, which was declared illegal by Spain’s constitutional court, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont wrote a letter to the central government in Madrid, asking for dialogue with the Spanish political authorities. He had originally been asked for a clear statement on whether or not he intended to formally declare independence from Spain.

 The Spainish governement has threatened to suspend the Catalan constitution, which allows some political autonomy, and instead impose direct rule from Madrid.

The leaders of the European Union have also declared that an independent Catalonia will automatical lose membership of the EU.

 Commentators expect Madrid to extend its deadline for a declaration of independence until Thursday 19th October.