Catalan protests news

The Catalan protests refer to a series of demonstrations and protests that have taken place in Catalonia, Spain, since 2017, primarily driven by the desire for independence from Spain. Here are some recent news articles and updates on the situation:

Recent Developments:

• October 2020: The Spanish government and the Catalan regional government reached a deal to hold a referendum on independence, but the agreement was rejected by the Catalan parliament.
• November 2020: The Spanish government imposed a state of emergency in Catalonia, citing concerns over public health and safety, which critics argued was a pretext to suppress the independence movement.
• December 2020: The Catalan parliament passed a resolution calling for independence from Spain, which was met with opposition from the Spanish government.

Protests and Demonstrations:

• October 2020: Thousands of people took to the streets of Barcelona and other cities in Catalonia to protest against the Spanish government's handling of the pandemic and the economic crisis.
• November 2020: Pro-independence protesters clashed with police in Barcelona, resulting in several injuries and arrests.
• December 2020: Thousands of people participated in a peaceful march in Barcelona to demand independence from Spain.

International Reaction:

• The European Union has expressed concerns over the situation in Catalonia, calling for dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
• The United States has also expressed concerns, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stating that the US supports the territorial integrity of Spain.
• The international community has been divided on the issue, with some countries supporting the Catalan independence movement and others backing the Spanish government.

Key Figures:

• Carles Puigdemont: The former President of Catalonia, who was ousted by the Spanish government in 2017 and is currently in exile in Belgium.
• Quim Torra: The current President of Catalonia, who has been a vocal advocate for independence and has faced criticism from the Spanish government.
• Pedro Sánchez: The Prime Minister of Spain, who has been a strong opponent of Catalan independence and has taken a hardline stance on the issue.

Background:

• The Catalan independence movement has its roots in the 14th century, but the modern movement gained momentum in the 2010s.
• In 2017, the Catalan parliament held a referendum on independence, which was declared illegal by the Spanish government.
• The Spanish government responded by imposing direct rule over Catalonia, which led to widespread protests and a crackdown on the independence movement.

I hope this information helps you stay up-to-date on the situation in Catalonia. Let me know if you have any specific questions or if there's anything else I can help you with!