KING Felipe VI's annual Christmas Eve speech once again included a covert appeal to secessionist politicians, as well as raising concerns about young adults' struggle to afford housing and violence against women.
Spain to take control of Catalunya's finances if referendum not cancelled
16/09/2017
SPAIN'S national government has given Catalunya 48 hours' notice that it will seize control of the region's finances if it does not call off the referendum planned for October 1.
In the very likely event that regional president Carles Puigdemont ignores the threat, Catalunya's finances will be controlled at State level, meaning all public services funding will be handled by Mariano Rajoy's cabinet.
This will even include paying public sector workers' salaries.
They are aiming to prevent Catalunya from spending taxpayers' funds on the independence referendum.
Treasury minister Cristóbal Montoro says the government aims to stop 'a single euro' from being spent on what he calls 'illegal activity'.
Banks in Catalunya have been ordered not to participate in the referendum process.
Any payment or transfer connected with the voting must be reported to the prosecution.
In the meantime, six of the 712 mayors who intend to provide venues for pollilng stations have been called to court to testify, and over 100 posters advertising the referendum have been confiscated from a Barcelona warehouse.
Ballot boxes have been seized, and some pro-independence campaigners even reported the confiscation of a paintbrush and some glue.
Puigdemont has called for an open debate with the government, citing 'unprecedented oppression', but this request has been turned down.
The regional president likens the government's action to the Civil War in Spain and even the Vietnam war.
Related Topics
SPAIN'S national government has given Catalunya 48 hours' notice that it will seize control of the region's finances if it does not call off the referendum planned for October 1.
In the very likely event that regional president Carles Puigdemont ignores the threat, Catalunya's finances will be controlled at State level, meaning all public services funding will be handled by Mariano Rajoy's cabinet.
This will even include paying public sector workers' salaries.
They are aiming to prevent Catalunya from spending taxpayers' funds on the independence referendum.
Treasury minister Cristóbal Montoro says the government aims to stop 'a single euro' from being spent on what he calls 'illegal activity'.
Banks in Catalunya have been ordered not to participate in the referendum process.
Any payment or transfer connected with the voting must be reported to the prosecution.
In the meantime, six of the 712 mayors who intend to provide venues for pollilng stations have been called to court to testify, and over 100 posters advertising the referendum have been confiscated from a Barcelona warehouse.
Ballot boxes have been seized, and some pro-independence campaigners even reported the confiscation of a paintbrush and some glue.
Puigdemont has called for an open debate with the government, citing 'unprecedented oppression', but this request has been turned down.
The regional president likens the government's action to the Civil War in Spain and even the Vietnam war.
Related Topics
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