Inside Story

Independence for Catalonia?

As separatists claim regional election victory, Spain’s government says secession is illegal.

A coalition of separatists is claiming victory after Sunday’s regional parliamentary election in the Catalonia region of Spain.

The “Together for Yes” group won 62 out of the 135 seats – and has formed an alliance with the smaller CUP party – which won 10 seats.

They say the result boosts their chances of achieving their dream: an independent Catalonia.

Manuel Rajoy, Spain’s prime minister, admits that government strategy has to change.

Pro-independence parties said before the vote that a “yes” result would allow them to unilaterally declare independence within 18 months, and that the Catalans could have their own institutions such as a central bank, judicial system and army.

Would that be possible? And what would the fallout be?

Presenter: Jane Dutton

Guests:

Albert Royo, secretary-general of the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia.

Antonio Barroso, senior vice president at Teneo Intelligence.

Juan Mellen, member of the board of Societat Civil Catalana, an association opposing independence for Catalonia.