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Spain debates Catalonia autonomy
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. |
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