Spain debates Catalonia autonomy

The Catalan parliament has already passed the statute proposals
Spain's parliament is set to debate proposals to grant greater autonomy
to the north-eastern region of Catalonia.
Under the proposals, the affluent region would be called a nation and
given the right to control taxation and change laws passed by
parliament.

The plan is expected to pass a first hearing, but has caused divisions
within the ruling Socialist Party and infuriated conservatives.

The opposition Popular Party says the reforms threaten Spain's
constitution.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is expected to try to tone
down the most radical proposals.

He wants the word "nation" changed to "national entity". But members of
his own party are not convinced.

His ability to make changes is also circumscribed by his minority
government depending on the support of two Catalonian parties.

'Independence'

The statute is the set of rules that determines the powers and
responsibilities of each of Spain's 17 regions.


The slogan of the regional government in Barcelona, which has already
backed the proposals, is "times change, so change the statute".

The BBC's Danny Wood, in Madrid, says the Catalan proposal wants more
tax revenue to reflect an increased population and more say over what
happens to that money - for example, where it is spent in education.

It also demands more control over ports, airports and immigration.

One Catalan MP told the BBC the statute represents the "first step to a
full reform of the state".

She said her party the republican left (ERC) hopes it is the first step
towards independence.

Close vote

The Popular Party argues that the proposals go beyond the statute of
Catalonia and seek to amend Spain's constitution.

Critics say that increasing the limited autonomy that the region was
given in 1978, after the death of General Francisco Franco, will
encourage other regions to press for more powers - especially in the
Basque Country.

The debate on Wednesday will be followed by a vote whether the reform
package should be considered formally by the parliament. A final vote
on the changes may take several months.

Our correspondent says the result of the vote could be very close.