Instruct: Given a question, retrieve relevant passages that answer the question.
Query: Is Catalonia an independent nation?
The Catalan declaration of independence (Catalan: Declaració d'independència de Catalunya; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Cataluña) was a resolution that was passed by the Parliament of Catalonia on 27 October 2017, which declared the independence of Catalonia from Spain and the founding of an independent Catalan Republic. The Act was immediately suspended by the Parliament. The declaration did not receive recognition from the international community. The declaration and proceeding vote were declared illegal as it was done on a simple majority and not the two-thirds requirement of the Catalan constitution.
The initial acceptance of the Dictatorship by the conservative League made the Catalan nationalism progressively more leftist (with the rise of parties as Acció Catalana, Catalan Republican Party or the Socialist Union of Catalonia) and, some of them, also pro-independence (Estat Català). Despite this tolerance, Primo de Rivera abolished the Commonwealth of Catalonia in 1925 and started a policy of repression against the Catalan nationalism, Catalan language and labour movement (especially anarchism and communism). In 1926, Estat Català tried to liberate Catalonia with a little army (established in the town of Prats de Molló in Roussillon, France), led by Francesc Macià, and proclaim the independent Catalan Republic, but the complot was discovered by the French police. Macià and the Catalan issue gained popularity all over the world.[96]
Catalonia is among the top 10 regions in Europe on a "regionalism index". According to another survey carried out in 2002, 16% of residents in Catalonia "did not consider themselves Spanish at all" and another 24% identified more strongly with Catalonia than with Spain. The overwhelming majorities for independence in the 2014 and 2017 referendums are dubious as a reflection of overall opinion, owing to low turnout and, in 2017, to police action during the poll. Extensive opinion polling on the issue of independence has taken place in Catalonia. One series of such polls shows that support for independence increased markedly after 2011, and settled around 40% between 2015 and 2017.
In 2017 the concept of 'Tabarnia' became viral on social media and received widespread media attention. Tabarnia is a fictional region covering urban coastal Catalonia demanding independence from the wider region should it proceed with independence. Arguments in favor of Tabarnia satirically mirror those in favor of Catalan independence from Spain. Numerous separatists were critical of the concept and responded that the parody unfairly trivializes Catalonia's independence movement, which is based in part on Catalonia's distinct culture and identity. This proposal, from a platform created in 2011, was shown to map the electoral results of the Catalan regional election of 21 December 2017, which provoked renewed interest. The word 'Tabarnia' went viral on 26 December 2017, reaching worldwide top-trending status with over 648,000 mentions. The first major demonstration in favour of Tabarnia's autonomy from Catalonia took place in Barcelona on the 4th of February 2017, with 15,000 participants according to the Guàrdia Urbana and 200,000 according to organizers.One study found that support for independence is a function of grievances rooted in the desire for Catalonia to assume responsibility for taxation and spending policy. This suggests that Spain might be able to stave off Catalonia's separatist bid through some form of political and taxation policy reconfiguration.
Rovira has been a member of Republican Left of Catalonia since 2005, and during the 25th National Congress celebrated in 2005, she was chosen as National Secretary of International and European Politics and Cooperation. During the 26th National Congress (2011) she was elected general secretary. Rovira won a seat in the Parliament of Catalonia during the elections of 2012 and in 2015 stood in the elections to the Parliament of Catalonia with the pro-independence coalition Together for Yes.
Andorra – Government of Andorra considers that Catalonia continues to be an integral part of Spain and appeals for dialogue to resolve the situation.[51] Argentina – The Argentine Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, does not recognize and rejects the declaration of independence proclaimed by the Parliament of Catalonia.[52] Belgium – Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel stated, "A political crisis can only be resolved through dialogue. We demand a peaceful solution that respects national and international order."[53] Brazil – Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, 28 October 2017, rejected Catalonia's unilateral declaration of independence, calling for the "preservation of unity in the Kingdom of Spain."[54] Bulgaria – Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "respects the constitutional order of the Kingdom of Spain, the rule of law and the principles of the rule of law as fundamental values of the European Union (EU) and all its members. We support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Spain, which is our strategic partner".[55] Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada only recognises one united Spain and called for talks to be held in a peaceful fashion.[56] Chile – Chile's Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz has assured that his country will support the territorial integrity of Spain.[57] Colombia – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos ratified his country's support for the territorial integrity of Spain and the Spanish Government, before the declaration of independence of Catalonia.[58] Croatia – Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs stated that "Croatia regards the events in Catalonia as a matter of Spain's internal affairs, and supports democratic and peaceful solutions in accordance with European values".[59] Ecuador – Ecuadorian Chancellery stated: "Ecuador calls for a solution to the situation in Catalonia through dialogue, within the framework of the Constitution, the law and the Spanish rule of law, with full respect for the freedoms and rights of all the Spanish citizens."[60] Estonia – Estonian prime minister Jüri Ratas stated "Estonia supports the territorial integrity and unity of Spain. Internal affairs must be solved according to their constitution and laws."[61] Germany – the German government stated, "The Federal Government does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence" of the Catalan parliament and expressed concern about the declaration causing "renewed aggravation of the situation."[62] Georgia – The President of Georgia stated "Georgia fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain and stands in solidarity [with] the Spanish Government," in response to the declaration of independence.[63] Hungary – Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated Catalonia's declaration of independence is a "matter of Spanish internal affairs". He added the Government of Hungary "hopes that the situation is resolved as soon as possible in accordance with Spain’s constitutional regulations".[64] India – The Government of India stated that "Catalonia should address issues of identity and culture within Spain's constitutional framework & respect national integrity"[65] Indonesia – Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia does not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Catalonia."[66] Ireland – The Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement "We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia. Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence."[67] Italy – The foreign minister Angelino Alfano declared that Italy has not and will not recognise an independent Catalonia.[68] Israel - Israel reportedly initially considered refusing to support Spain against Catalan independence, but ultimately issued a statement saying "Israel hopes that the internal crisis in Spain will be resolved quickly and peacefully and through broad national consensus."[69][70][71] Jamaica – The Jamaican Government has declared that it does not recognise the declaration of independence of Catalonia as it supports a united Spain. The Government made its position known through the release of a statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.[72] Japan – The Government of Japan has expressed its support for the application of article 155 of the Spanish Constitution before the crisis in Catalonia, and has relied on the situation to be resolved "in a peaceful manner" and in accordance with the Spanish national legislation.[73] Lithuania – Foreign Minister Linas Antanas Linkevičius stated in a radio interview that Lithuania supports Spain's territorial integrity and called for dialogue.[74] Malaysia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted on 1 November that "Malaysia does not recognise Catalonia's unilateral declaration of independence and respects the territorial integrity of Spain".[75] Malta – Malta does not recognise Catalonia's declaration of independence and will continue to respect the territorial integrity of Spain, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.[76] Morocco – Morocco rejects the unilateral process of the independence of Catalonia, and expresses its attachment to Spain's "sovereignty and territorial integrity"[77] (despite the fact that Morocco claims a few minor parts of Spain). Mexico – President Enrique Peña Nieto has stated that Mexico will not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia. Mexico hopes for a peaceful and political solution.[78] Norway - Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide tweeted "Norway will not recognize unilateral declaration of Catalan independence. Re-establish legality as basis for dialogue".[79] Paraguay – Paraguayan Chancellery stated: "Paraguay advocates respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law in Spain." "In view of the new events in Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain, the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urges respect and unrestricted adherence to the rule of law, as it is enshrined in the Spanish Constitution, guarantor of the unity and the democratic rights."[80] Peru – Peruvian Chancellery stated: "In view of the events that occurred in Catalonia, the Government of Peru reiterates its rejection of any act or unilateral declaration of independence, as it is an action contrary to the Spanish Constitution and laws."[81] Poland – The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "Poland fully respects the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Kingdom of Spain. We believe that solving the dispute between the government of the Kingdom of Spain and Catalonia, just like any disputes between the Kingdom of Spain and its autonomous regions, including separatist tendencies, are an internal affair of the Kingdom of Spain. We hope that the situation in Catalonia will stabilise quickly in observance of the constitution of the Kingdom of Spain".[82] Portugal – The Portuguese government asserted that Portugal will not recognize the unilateral Declaration of Independence issued by the government of Catalonia.[83] Romania – In a press statement, the Romanian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country's strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain, rejecting firmly Catalonia's "unilateral declaration of independence", and stressing that "Romania is in favor of the respect of the international law, which does not allow for territorial changes without the consent of the state concerned".[84] Serbia – Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić stated, "Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Spain and this act contradicts the Spanish constitutional system. Unlike how other countries have reacted to the Kosovo unilateral declaration of independence – Serbia firmly rejects any similar acts anywhere in the world, including Catalonia."[85] Slovenia – The foreign ministry issued a statement "reiterating its position in saying that it advocated the right of nations for self-determination, which must be expressed and executed democratically, in a lawful way, and in accordance with the Spanish legislation and international law."[86] Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Sri Lanka unequivocally supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain, and considers Catalonia as an integral part of Spain.[87] Turkey – In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry says that the unilateral declaration of independence "does not represent a step in the right direction" and "does not reflect the will of the people of Spain and the region." "We consider fundamental to respect the territorial integrity of Spain, together with the Constitution and the will of the Spanish people," the text added.[88] Ukraine – Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin stated, "Ukraine supports the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain within its internationally recognized borders."[89] Vietnam – Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lê Thị Thu Hằng stated: "This is the internal work of Spain and should be resolved on the basis of respect for the constitution and the law, for the unity and stability of Spain".[90]
The beginnings of separatism in Catalonia can be traced back to the mid–19th century. The Renaixença (cultural renaissance), which aimed at the revival of the Catalan language and Catalan traditions, led to the development of Catalan nationalism and a desire for independence. Between the 1850s and the 1910s, some individuals, organisations and political parties started demanding full independence of Catalonia from Spain.
The Catalan independence referendum of 2017, also known by the numeronym 1-O (for "1 October") in Spanish media, was an independence referendum held on 1 October 2017 in the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia, passed by the Parliament of Catalonia as the Law on the Referendum on Self-determination of Catalonia and called by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It was declared illegal on 7 September 2017 and suspended by the Constitutional Court of Spain after a request from the Spanish government, who declared it a breach of the Spanish Constitution. Additionally, in early September the High Court of Justice of Catalonia had issued orders to the police to try to prevent it, including the detention of various persons responsible for its preparation. Due to alleged irregularities during the voting process as well as to the use of force by the National Police and Civil Guard, international observers invited by the Generalitat declared that the referendum failed to meet the minimum international standards for elections.
Let's build the Catalan Republic! () was a gathering in Barcelona on 11 September 2018, the National Day of Catalonia, in support of Catalan independence and the Catalan Republic passed by the Parliament of Catalonia on 27 October 2017. It was organized by the Catalan National Assembly (ANC), the main civil society organisations behind the massive pro-independence demonstrations held since 2012.
The White Paper on the National Transition of Catalonia is a white paper that analyzes the different aspects to consider in the process of transition towards an independent Catalonia. The book, published by the Government of Catalonia in 2014, includes all of the reports prepared by the Advisory Council for the National Transition and a summary of those made by the Secretary of the Council.
Reagrupament or Reagrupament Independentista ("Realignment for Independence" or "Independence Rally") is a political party in Catalonia, Spain, formally constituted on 3 October 2009. It is an umbrella group for various supporters of Catalan independence and the creation of a sovereign state for Catalonia. It has no representation in the Catalan Parliament. It is the most important extra-parliamentary independentist party in Catalonia.
Other individuals include:All of the Spanish national political parties in Catalonia reject the idea of independence. Together they represent a majority of votes yet a minority of seats in the Catalan parliament. Of these, only Podemos is prepared to hold a referendum on the issue in Catalonia; others such as Ciutadans, and the People's Party of Catalonia, which had 25.4% and 4.2% of the vote respectively in the 2017 Catalan regional election, have always opposed the notion of Catalan self-determination. The Socialists' Party (13.9% of vote) opposes independence as well. While some of its members supported the idea of a self-determination referendum up until 2012, the official position as of 2015 is that the Spanish Constitution should be reformed in order to better accommodate Catalonia. A majority of voters of left-wing platform Catalonia Yes We Can (8.94%) reject independence although the party favours a referendum in which it would campaign for Catalonia remaining part of Spain. CDC's Catalanist former-partner Unió came out against independence and fared badly in every subsequent election, eventually disbanding due to bankruptcy in 2017.
It would be difficult to understand the current politics of Catalonia without the issue of independence or self-determination. The law does not recognize a "right of self-determination" in spite of a politically relevant pro independence movement in Catalonia. According to the governmental Sociology Studies Center (CIS) CIS official poll in 2001 there were 33.9% of Catalans in favor of an independent Catalonia, 48.1% against, 13.3 undecided and 2.8% did not answer. If the individual was Catalan speaker and was less than 44 years of age then 75% was in favor of independence. CIS has not repeated this poll to date.
Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC), Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Democrats of Catalonia (DC) and Left Movement (MES) agreed by mid-July 2015 to run together under the Junts pel Sí () joint separatist list, with support from the pro-independence Catalan National Assembly (ANC), Òmnium and the also separatist Municipalities' Association for Independence (AMI). Artur Mas was named as the agreed presidential candidate, even though, as a result of balance of power negotiations between ERC and CDC, he was placed 4th in the electoral ticket. Instead, the list was to be headed by three independent figures: Raül Romeva, former European MP for ICV who had left the party for not supporting independence; Carme Forcadell, former ANC president and Muriel Casals, Òmnium chairwoman. Oriol Junqueras would follow in 5th place.
Catalonia saw several local referenda for independence take place in hundreds of villages between 13 September 2009 and April 2011, with an overwhelming number of "yes" votes being cast.
The 2012 Catalan independence demonstration, organized by the Catalan National Assembly, argued that Catalonia should become an independent state within the European Union, under the slogan "Catalonia, new state in Europe". The number of participants was estimated at about 1.5 million according to Barcelona's Municipal Police and Catalonia's Department of the Interior, about 2 million according to the organizers, and about 600,000 according to the delegation of the Spanish government in Catalonia. 
The Advisory Council for the National Transition (in Catalan: "Consell Assessor per a la Transició Nacional") is a body created by the Government of Catalonia in 2013 to advise the government on the national transition of Catalonia and achieving Catalan self-determination referendum. The main task of this body is to analyze the different factors to consider in the process of transition to an independent Catalonia.
After Puigdemont's speech, a document titled "Declaration from the representatives of Catalonia" declaring Catalonia's independence was signed publicly[18] by the members of parliament of the pro-independence political parties in the auditorium of the Parliament. The document, titled "Declaration from the representatives of Catalonia", sought to establish Catalonia as an independent state, and called on the international community to recognize it. It was read publicly, but it was not voted or published on the Catalan government's official journal.[19]
Boya is a founder and former coordinator of the Assemblea Nacional Catalana in Val d'Aran and councilor in the city of Les for the Corròp party, framed in Occitan nationalism. In the 2015 elections to the Parliament of Catalonia, she was a candidate of the CUP for the district of Lleida, after a vote in primaries. Boya, who was second in the list in her constituency, was not elected, but on 18 December 2015, during the tense negotiations between the CUP and the pro-independence coalition Junts pel Sí, the CUP's number one, Ramon Usall, resigned for personal reasons. In this way, Boya occupied the post of regional parliamentarian. She participated in the plenary sessions of the Parliament that voted for the roadmap to independence for Catalonia, and voted the Unilateral declaration of Independence of Catalonia.
Republican Left of Catalonia–Catalonia Yes (, ERC–CatSí) is a Catalan pro-independence electoral coalition. The alliance is formed by Republican Left of Catalonia, Catalonia Yes and independents, and in the 2015 and 2016 Spanish general elections it was led by Gabriel Rufián.
Catalonia Yes (, CatSí) is a Catalan independence political platform founded in 2011 meant to bring together people from civil society and various personalities in favour of independence for Catalonia.
The Catalan Way (), also known as the Catalan Way towards Independence (), was a human chain in support of Catalan independence from Spain. It was organized by the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC), and took place in Catalonia on 11 September 2013, which is the National Day of Catalonia. Catalonia's Department of the Interior estimated the number of participants at about 1.6 million. The protest was supported by 14 nongovernmental groups The human chain followed the ancient Via Augusta, from Le Perthus (France, Vallespir) up to Alcanar (Spain, Montsià). According to Carme Forcadell, president of the ANC, it was "a symbol of the unity of Catalan people to achieve national sovereignty".
The 2012 Catalan independence demonstration was a protest march which occurred in central Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, on 11 September 2012 during the National Day of Catalonia. The protestors demanded the independence of Catalonia and its establishment as a sovereign state under the slogan "Catalonia, new state in Europe" (). It was organized by the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and headed together with the Association of Municipalities for Independence as the final and the most prominent of a series of events known as "March towards Independence" () which began on 30 June 2012 in Lleida.
One effect of the financial crisis is an increase in support for independence in Catalonia. The Statute of Autonomy included a package of laws that gave more power to the region and would have recognized Catalonia as a nation, although one still within Spain. As with the rest of Spain, Catalonia has had high levels of unemployment. As many as 22% of the economically active population, which is still lower than Spain's national jobless rate, yet higher than Madrid. In 2010, Spain's Constitutional Court weakened the Statute of Autonomy for Catalonia, which further irritated Catalan secessionist organization.
Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC), Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Democrats of Catalonia (DC) and Left Movement (MES) agreed by mid-July 2015 to run together under the Junts pel Sí () joint separatist list, with support from the pro-independence Catalan National Assembly (ANC), Òmnium Cultural and the Association of Municipalities for Independence (AMI). Artur Mas was appointed as JxSí presidential candidate, even though he would be placed in fourth place in the electoral ticket as a result of balance of power negotiations between ERC and CDC. Instead, the first three positions in the list were to be filled by three independent figures: Raül Romeva, a former European MP for Initiative for Catalonia Greens who had left the party for not supporting independence; Carme Forcadell, former ANC president; and Muriel Casals, Òmnium chairwoman. Oriol Junqueras would follow after Mas, in fifth place.
Currently, the main political parties which define themselves as being Catalan nationalists are "Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya", "Unió Democràtica de Catalunya". The "Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya", although deriving from nationalism, refuses the term "nationalism" and prefers to describe itself as pro-independence; so does "Soldaritat Catalana". These parties obtained 50.03% of the votes in the 2010 election. Within these parties, there is much divergence of opinion. More radical elements are only content with the establishment of a separate Catalan state. In contrast, more moderate elements do not necessarily identify with the belief that protection of Catalan identity is incompatible within Spain. Others vote for these parties simply as a protest and do not necessarily identify with the overall party platform (for example, some people may vote for ERC because they are simply tired of CiU, even though they do not actually desire a leftist Catalan republic). The other way around also occurs: some voters may vote for non-nationalist parties (especially the Initiative for Catalonia Greens, ICV, and the Socialists' Party of Catalonia, PSC) for reasons of policy, ideology or personal preference, although they share a nationalist viewpoint regarding Catalonia's status within Spain. Some polls, conducted in 2010, show that more than a third of PSC and more than half of ICV voters support Catalonia's independence (in the latter case, the percentage is even higher than among Convergence and Union voters); according to these polls, even 15% of the pro-Spanish Partido Popular voters in Catalonia support the region's independence.