Spanish PM says Catalan independence resolution to have ‘no consequences’

The proposal was tabled by pro-secession lawmakers from the “Together for Yes” alliance & the acute left-wing Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP).

But with results of a landslide vote for independence ignored by the government in Madrid, separation remains elusive.

After receiving remarks from the State Council, the government will convene to make a decision on turning to the country’s Constitutional Court.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is expected to give his response later in the day.

Pro-independence parties hope this declaration of secession will be the first step toward the northeastern region splitting from Spain within 18 months, said Reuters.

The Spanish constitutional court is likely to declare it illegal, our correspondent says.

“With this resolution, we are solemnly kicking off the construction of a state”, Raul Romeva of the pro-independence Together for Yes coalition told regional lawmakers.

Rajoy’s government in September boosted the powers of the Constitutional Court to allow it to quickly suspend leaders who disobey its orders, in a move aimed directly at Catalonia.

Despite being home to only 16 percent of Spain’s population, Catalonia remains its wealthiest region, producing 20 percent of national GDP. The motion gives the incoming government 30 days to start working on a new Catalan constitution, which would later be voted on in a referendum, and begin establishing a new tax office and social security administration.

The initiative was backed by 72 out of 135 votes in parliament. Outgoing regional separatist president Artur Mas, who won elections on September 27, has promised to bring Catalonia to independence in 2017, in spite of harsh opposition from Madrid.

“I was born in Catalonia and I want to keep living here”, said Xavier Garcia Albiol of the ruling PP party.