Spain: Catalonia cancels independence referendum plans.

The Catalan regional government in northeastern Spain decided on October 13 to cancel the referendum on independence that was scheduled to be held on November 9.

The Spanish government had previously deemed the holding of this referendum unconstitutional.

Catalan leader Artur Mas (center) speaks at a press conference following a meeting of Catalan independence parties in Barcelona on October 3. (Source: AFP/VNA)

According to the head of Catalonia, Artur Mas, the referendum could not be held due to a lack of legal guarantees. Furthermore, the Catalan government did not have enough time to prepare some of the necessary procedures, such as the ballot list and referendum survey.

Mr. Artur said he would announce an alternative solution, which could propose a process allowing citizens of Catalonia to express their views on the region's political future.

Artur Mas was the one who called for a referendum on Catalan independence, despite strong opposition from the Spanish government.

Although the Spanish Constitutional Court ordered a temporary suspension of the referendum to allow it to further examine its legality—a process that could take years—Ms. Mas and the Catalan regional government had previously announced they would proceed with the referendum.

Catalonia is one of the most developed regions, contributing 20% ​​of Spain's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but it has also been heavily impacted by the economic recession of the past five years.

In addition, pride in their language and unique cultural heritage, coupled with grievances regarding budget allocation from the central government, are believed to be the reasons why Catalan nationalists are pushing for plans to secede from Spain.

However, a recent poll showed that only 23% of people in this autonomous region support continuing with the plan to hold a referendum, while 45% want the government to abide by the Constitutional Court's ruling.

According to VNA