Catalonia endorses autonomy plan
Catalan voters have backed a new charter to give their region greater independence from Madrid.
The results showed 73.9% voted for the autonomy plan and 20.8%
against in a referendum on Sunday. But turnout was low, at 49%.
Catalonia's regional parliament will now have enhanced powers in
taxation and judicial matters. The Catalans will also have nation status within
Spain.
Catalonia will get more control over airports, ports and
immigration.
The plan was backed by the Spanish government, Catalonia's ruling
Socialists and moderate nationalists - but opposed by both the conservative
Popular Party and by leftists who favoured outright independence.
But given the low turnout, it is uncertain how strong a mandate
the new charter will have, the BBC's Danny Wood in Barcelona reports.
'Greater recognition'
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the
people of Catalonia had "spoken clearly" in favour of the charter,
which would bring "greater recognition of the identity" of the
region.
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The referendum was the final step in a process which began
last September, when Catalonia's parliament approved a new version of the
Statute - the document that organises the relationship and the division of
political powers between Spain and Catalonia.
"I think it is a step forward for the country
[Catalonia]," said 28-year-old "Yes" voter Marc Oliva.
Other supporters said Catalonia deserved the extra powers in
recognition of its large economic contribution - accounting for one-fifth of
Spain's economy, even though it is home to less than one-sixth of the
population.
But "No" voters said Catalan politicians were playing
with fire, and other regions could now demand greater independence.
"I don't like the idea of Spain breaking up," said
38-year-old Gabino Escribano.
Some critics of the plan have warned that the Basque country,
which has suffered from an armed separatist struggle for more than 30 years,
may now be encouraged to formulate its own demands.
However, observers say the progress of Catalonia's autonomy plan
may have influenced the ceasefire announced by the armed Basque separatists Eta
earlier this year.
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