Catalonia news 2018

Here are some of the most significant news stories related to Catalonia in 2018:

  1. Independence Referendum: On October 1, 2017, Catalonia held an independence referendum, which was declared illegal by the Spanish government. In 2018, the Catalan government continued to push for independence, despite the Spanish government's opposition.
  2. Jailed Leaders: In October 2017, the Spanish government arrested several Catalan leaders, including President Carles Puigdemont, on charges of rebellion and sedition. In 2018, many of these leaders were released from prison, but some remained in custody.
  3. New Government: In May 2018, the Catalan parliament elected Quim Torra as the new president of the Generalitat, the autonomous government of Catalonia. Torra is a strong supporter of Catalan independence.
  4. European Court Ruling: In June 2018, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Catalonia's independence referendum was not illegal, but it also stated that the Spanish government had the right to prevent the referendum from taking place.
  5. Spanish Government's Response: In response to the ECJ ruling, the Spanish government announced that it would not recognize Catalonia's independence and would continue to work towards maintaining the unity of Spain.
  6. Catalan National Day: On September 11, 2018, Catalonia celebrated its National Day, which is also known as the Diada de Sant Jordi. The event was marked by protests and rallies in support of Catalan independence.
  7. Election Results: In December 2018, Catalonia held regional elections, which were seen as a test of support for independence. The pro-independence parties won a majority of seats in the Catalan parliament, but the turnout was lower than expected.
  8. International Pressure: In 2018, international pressure mounted on both sides of the conflict. The European Union and the United States expressed support for the unity of Spain, while some countries, such as Belgium and Switzerland, expressed support for Catalonia's right to self-determination.
  9. Economic Impact: The independence crisis had a significant impact on Catalonia's economy, with many businesses and investors expressing concerns about the uncertainty and instability.
  10. Protests and Violence: Throughout 2018, there were numerous protests and clashes between pro-independence supporters and Spanish police, resulting in injuries and arrests on both sides.

These are just a few of the most significant news stories related to Catalonia in 2018. The conflict continues to be a major issue in Spain and has significant implications for the country's politics, economy, and international relations.