If you have seen images from earlier today when the rump Catalan parliament – vacated by the non-separatist MPs, about half of the chamber – voted to unilaterally declare independence, you may have wondered about the serious look on parliamentarians’ faces. Why the sombre visages, if this is the defining moment in their careers: the birthday of their long-craved republic?
Perhaps they are worried about the uncertainty of what comes next, and the expectation that it will not be good. The Spanish government has, after all, just obtained a mandate to enforce constitutional provisions by which it will temporarily take control of the Catalan administration. The aim is to restore the legal order and clear the way for new regional elections and a legitimate and law-abiding government.
That of course doesn’t bode well for the present Catalan cabinet, which will be swiftly deprived of any powers. The Catalan president and his advisors may also face criminal charges for their consistent disobedience of the Catalan constitution, the Spanish constitution and a raft of court rulings striking down separatist legislation.
That could explain their unenthusiastic reaction to this afternoon’s independence vote.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in