View source for Catalan declaration of independence

{{short description|Unrecognised declaration of independence (2017)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox document
|document_name=Declaration of independence of Catalonia
|image=File:Catalan Declaration of Independence.svg
|image_width=
|image_caption=Page 1 of the Declaration
|date_presented=10 October 2017
|date_effective=Not effective
|date_ratified=27 October 2017
|date_repeal= ''Effectively unenforceable under [[Constitution of Spain#Article 155|Article 155 of the Constitution of Spain]]''
|location_of_document=
|writer=
|signers=72 of the 135 members of the [[Parliament of Catalonia]]
|purpose=[[Unilateral declaration of independence]] of Catalonia as a sovereign republic from [[Spain]]
}}

The '''Catalan declaration of independence''' (''{{langx|ca|Declaració d'independència de Catalunya}})'' was a resolution that was passed by the [[Parliament of Catalonia]] on 27 October 2017. While the text proclaims the independence of [[Catalonia]] from [[Spain]] and the establishment of an independent '''Catalan Republic''', the declaration itself did not receive recognition from the international community and it produced no legal effect.

On 10 October, in the aftermath of the [[2017 Catalan independence referendum|1 October 2017 Catalan independence referendum]] and a [[2017 Catalan general strike|general strike on 3 October]], a document declaring Catalonia to be an independent republic was signed by the members of Catalonia's pro-independence parliamentary majority.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/10/spain-braced-possible-catalonian-independence-declaration/|title=Catalan leader puts declaration of independence on hold to allow time for talks|first1=James|last1=Badcock|first2=James|last2=Crisp|date=10 October 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|website=Telegraph.co.uk}}</ref><ref name="huffingtonpost.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/catalonia-independence-carles-puigdemont_uk_59dd0ae4e4b0b26332e72356|title=Catalan President Signs Declaration Of Independence, But Will Seek Talks With Madrid|date=10 October 2017|website=huffingtonpost.co.uk|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2017/10/10/catalan-leader-signs-declaration-document|title=Catalan leader signs declaration document|date=10 October 2017|website=euronews.com|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> The same document was voted for on 27 October by a majority of 70 out of 135 MPs in a [[plenary session]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Sam|last2=Burgen|first2=Stephen|last3=Graham-Harrison|first3=Emma|title=Spain dissolves Catalan parliament and calls fresh elections|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/spanish-pm-mariano-rajoy-asks-senate-powers-dismiss-catalonia-president|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 October 2017}}</ref> 10 MPs voted against the declaration and 53 MPs refused to be present during the vote, after the legal counsels of the Catalan Parliament advised that it could not take place as the law on which it was based had been suspended by the [[Constitutional Court of Spain|Spanish Constitutional Court]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Alandete|first1=David|title=Análisis {{!}} Is Catalonia independent?|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/10/27/inenglish/1509117264_660083.html|work=[[El País]]|date=27 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|last1=Piñol|first1=Pere Ríos, Àngels|title=El Parlament de Cataluña aprueba la resolución para declarar la independencia|url=https://elpais.com/ccaa/2017/10/27/catalunya/1509105810_557081.html|work=[[El País]]|date=27 October 2017|language=es}}</ref> On the same day, [[Prime Minister of Spain|Prime Minister]] [[Mariano Rajoy]] of Spain invoked [[Constitution of Spain#Article 155|Article 155]] of the Constitution of Spain for the first time in history. This action dismissed [[President of the Generalitat of Catalonia|Catalan President]] [[Carles Puigdemont]] and his cabinet, and called for fresh [[2017 Catalan regional election|Catalan elections on 21 December 2017]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Spanish PM dissolves Catalan parliament|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41783289|work=[[BBC News]]|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> The Deputy Prime Minister of Spain [[Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría]] was assigned to be the acting president of Catalonia until the December elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2017/10/28/59f42746ca474133228b4689.html |title=Declaración de Independencia Cataluña: Rajoy delega en Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría la Presidencia de la Generalitat |publisher=El Mundo |date=2017-10-25 |access-date=2017-10-29}}</ref>

==Background==

On September 6, 2017, the [[Parliament of Catalonia|Catalan Parliament]], amid significant controversy, passed legislation for a binding referendum on Catalan independence. This decision, supported by [[Junts pel Sí]] and the [[Popular Unity Candidacy|CUP]] representatives, faced opposition from other parties, with [[Catalunya Sí que es Pot]] abstaining.<ref> «Sí que es Pot se abstendrá en la ley del referéndum para evitar la fractura». El Periodico. 5 de septiembre de 2017.</ref> The referendum law stated that if the majority voted 'yes,' independence would be declared two days post the official result announcement, irrespective of voter turnout.

Following this, the Catalan Parliament also ratified the Legal and Foundational Transition Law of the Catalan Republic. This law was set intending to be the primary legal framework for an independent Catalonia until a republic's constitution was established, contingent upon the success of the independence movement.

However, both these laws were promptly suspended by [[Constitutional Court of Spain|Spain's Constitutional Court]] following appeals from the [[Government of Spain|Spanish Government]]. Despite this suspension, [[Carles Puigdemont]], the [[President of the Government of Catalonia]], disregarded the court's decision and maintained the validity of these laws.

The suspended referendum went ahead on October 1, 2017, without legal backing. The Catalan government reported a 90% vote in favor of independence, with a 43% turnout. Independence opponents boycotted the referendum, deeming it illegal.

The referendum's legitimacy was widely disputed due to various procedural anomalies and the absence of validation by an independent entity. Reported irregularities included multiple voting instances, participation of non-citizens, transportation of unsealed ballot boxes, and last-minute changes to voting regulations. The Spanish government criticized these changes, including the acceptance of a universal census allowing voting at any center, and the use of unofficial ballots and envelope-less votes. It was also claimed by the government that this referendum was unconstitutional due to intending to attack the "unity of Spain" (reflected in article 2 of the Constitution of Spain).<ref>Gobierno de España. 1978. “Título Preliminar.” Www.lamoncloa.gob.es. 1978. https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/espana/leyfundamental/Paginas/titulo_preliminar.aspx#:~:text=Art%C3%ADculo%202.&text=La%20Constituci%C3%B3n%20se%20fundamenta%20en.</ref>

Neither the Spanish Government nor the European Union acknowledged the referendum's validity, nor did any country recognize the proclaimed "Catalan Republic." An international observers' mission concluded the referendum failed to meet global standards. Additionally, a pre-referendum Metroscopia survey indicated that 61% of Catalans believed the referendum would not hold international legitimacy.

==Timeline==

===10 October: Signing and suspension===
==== Puigdemont's address ====
[[File:Carles Puigdemont el 10 d'octubre de 2017.jpg|thumb|Puigdemont before the [[Parliament of Catalonia]] on 10 October 2017]]
[[File:Carles Puigdemont el 10 d'octubre de 2017 (2).jpg|thumb|[[Carles Puigdemont|Carles Puigdemont's]] address led to mass confusion on whether Catalonia declared independence on 10 October or not.]]
[[File:Puigdemont voting for DUI (2017-10-27).jpg|thumb|Puigdemont casting the vote for Declaration of Independence on 27 October]]
[[File:President Puigdemont, "Ciutadans de Catalunya, vénen hores en què a tots ens pertocarà de mantenir el pols del nostre país" 03.jpg|thumb|Pro-independence mayors supporting the Declaration of Independence on 27 October in the Parliament of Catalonia]]
[[File:08.10.2017 Manifestació "Prou! Recuperem el seny" - Barcelona 25.jpg|thumb|[[Mario Vargas Llosa]] and  [[Josep Borrell]], among others, during the pro-Constitution demonstration in Barcelona ]]
The [[Law on the Referendum on Self-determination of Catalonia]] contained the provision that, in case of an outcome in favour of independence, independence was to be declared within 48 hours after all votes were counted. [[President of the Generalitat of Catalonia|Catalan President]] [[Carles Puigdemont]] confirmed this on October 3 during an exclusive interview with the BBC, saying "we are going to declare independence 48 hours after all official results are counted".<ref name="France 24 English">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuWHJh3rV3s|title=Catalonia leader: "We're going to declare independence 48 hours after official results are counted"|date=4 October 2017|website=youtube.com|access-date=13 October 2017}}</ref>
Final results were published by the Catalan government on October 6,<ref name="Ara">{{cite web|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/simposa-vots_0_1882611904.html|title= Final tally of the referendum: 90,18% Yes votes on a 43% turnout|date=6 October 2017|website=ara.cat|access-date=13 October 2017}}</ref> and Puigdemont announced he would formally address the Parliament on October 10.

Puigdemont was widely expected to declare the independence of Catalonia, which led to worldwide coverage of the parliament session.

After saying that he considered the referendum valid and binding, Puigdemont chose to use the wording "I assume the mandate of the people for Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic", before adding that he would "ask Parliament to suspend the effects of the declaration of independence so that in the coming weeks we can undertake a dialogue".

The speech left observers bewildered as they struggled to understand whether Puigdemont had just declared independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/world/europe/spain-catalonia-independence-carles-puigdemont.html|title=In Catalonia, a Declaration of Independence From Spain (Sort of)|first1=Raphael|last1=Minder|first2=Patrick|last2=Kingsley|date=10 October 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/10/10/hechos/1507671088_975973.html|title=¿Ha declarado Puigdemont la independencia?|date=11 October 2017|newspaper=El País|access-date=12 October 2017 }}</ref> While some commentators stated that independence had just been declared and put on hold,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.larazon.es/espana/directo--puigdemont-comparece-en-el-parlament-GC16506312|title=Puigdemont declara la independencia de Cataluña pero la deja en suspenso para abrir un periodo de diálogo|website=larazon.es|access-date=12 October 2017|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044652/http://www.larazon.es/espana/directo--puigdemont-comparece-en-el-parlament-GC16506312|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/ccaa/2017/10/10/catalunya/1507624143_410500.html|title=Puigdemont prolonga la tensión con una secesión en diferido|first=Miquel Noguer, Camilo S.|last=Baquero|date=11 October 2017|newspaper=El País|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> others stated that the declaration of independence had been postponed.<ref name="huffingtonpost.co.uk"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/10/catalan-government-suspends-declaration-of-independence|title=Catalan government suspends declaration of independence|first=Sam|last=Jones|date=10 October 2017|access-date=12 October 2017|website=Theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/10/europe/catalonia-independence-declaration-delayed-spain/index.html|title=Catalonia's president delays split from Spain|author=Ray Sanchez and Natalie Gallón|website=cnn.com|date=10 October 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ara.cat/en/Puigdemont-of-independence-to-Spain_0_1885611488.html|title=Puigdemont postpones declaration of independence to make a final offer of dialogue to Spain|website=ara.cat|date=11 October 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

After Puigdemont's speech, a document titled "Declaration from the Representatives of Catalonia" declaring Catalonia's independence was signed publicly<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKHmfQZxgok=Puigdemont|title=Forcadell and Junqueras sign the proposal of declaration of independence (in Catalan)|website=youtube.com|date=10 October 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> by members of parliament belonging to pro-independence political parties in the auditorium of the Parliament. This document sought to establish Catalonia as an independent state, and called on the international community to recognize it. It was read publicly, but it was not voted on in the Catalan Parliament or published by the Catalan government's official journal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/JxSi-CUP-proposta-declaracio-dindependencia_0_1885011710.html|title=JxSí and the CUP sign the proposal of declaration of independence (in Catalan)|website=ara.cat|date=10 October 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

==== Spanish government's reaction ====
The immediate reaction from the Spanish government was that "it was inadmissible to declare independence implicitly and suspend it explicitly". [[Ministry of Justice (Spain)|Minister of Justice]] [[Rafael Catalá]] called it a "non-declaration of independence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/catala-resta-validez-a-una-no-declaracion-de-independencia_2017101059dd1c9e0cf27ece4d38f5ea.html|title=Minister of Justice gives no validity to Puigdemont's "non-declaration of independence"|website=antena3.com|date=10 October 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

[[Prime Minister of Spain|Spanish Prime Minister]] [[Mariano Rajoy]] gave a short news conference on the following day, giving Puigdemont five days to confirm whether he had declared Catalonia’s independence or not.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/world/europe/catalonia-spain-independence-mariano-rajoy.html|title=Spain asks Catalonia: did you declare independence or not?|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=11 October 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017|last1=Minder |first1=Raphael }}</ref> Were the answer to be affirmative, the document provided another deadline ending on Thursday, October 19, allowing for Catalan authorities to rectify and prevent the application of Section 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would authorize Madrid to temporarily take over Catalonia’s internal affairs.

According to Spain's [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Spain)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] [[Alfonso Dastis]], the written declaration was legally void, as it was not voted upon and it was signed outside of a parliamentary session.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dastis afirma que Puigdemont no declaró la independencia de Cataluña porque "no se hizo en un pleno"|url=http://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/dastis-afirma-que-puigdemont-no-declaro-la-independencia-de-cataluna-porque-no-se-hizo-en-un-pleno_2017101259df5a7b0cf27ece4d3d582f.html|work=[[laSexta]]|agency=[[EFE]]|date=12 October 2017|language=es}}</ref>

==== Business community reactions ====
After the declaration of independence made by Carles Puigdemont, despite the lack of legal effects, the leakage of companies that decided to move their headquarters became massive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elperiodico.com/es/economia/20171023/empresas-se-van-de-cataluna-independencia-6335670|title=Avalancha de empresas que se llevan su sede de Catalunya|last=Periódico|first=El|date=2017-10-23|website=elperiodico|language=es|access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lne.es/economia/2017/10/06/listado-empresas-abandonan-cataluna/2174147.html|title=Listado de empresas que abandonan Cataluña|last=España|first=La Nueva|website=www.lne.es|date=6 October 2017 |language=es|access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref> The day after the declaration of independence, the [[château de Montsoreau-Museum of Contemporary Art]] announced that it was repatriating its collection of [[Art & Language]] works on loan at [[Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art]] (MACBA) since 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/arts/article/2017/10/18/la-crise-catalane-fait-fuir-les-collectionneurs_5202461_1655012.html|title=La crise catalane fait fuir les collectionneurs|date=2017-10-18|work=Le Monde.fr|access-date=2020-02-08|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Montañés|first=José Ángel|url=https://elpais.com/ccaa/2017/10/13/catalunya/1507895796_036791.html|title=El Macba afirma que la seguridad de sus obras está garantizada|date=2017-10-13|work=El País|access-date=2020-02-08|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> The fear also extended to [[Small and medium-sized enterprises|SMEs]] and savers, who due to the uncertainty decided to take their money to bank offices outside Catalonia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.finanzas.com/macroeconomia/cataluna-la-alarma-general-por-la-fuga-de-empresas-golpea-a-pymes-y-ahorradores_13701848_102.html|title=Cataluña: La alarma general por la fuga de|website=Finanzas|date=10 October 2017 |language=es|access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>

===27 October: Unilateral declaration of independence===
{{Expand section|date=October 2017}}
On 27 October 2017, a resolution based on the "Declaration of the representatives of Catalonia" declaring the independence of Catalonia was voted in the Parliament and was approved with 70 votes in favor, 10 against, and 2 blank votes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan independence crisis escalates|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41780116|work=[[BBC News]]|date=27 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan Parliament Votes for Independence From Spain|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/Spain-Catalonia-Secession-Vote-453568293.html|work=NBC4 Washington}}</ref> Fifty-three MPs from the opposition refused to be present during the voting after the legal services of the Catalan Parliament advised that the voting could not take place, as the law on which it was based had been suspended by the Spanish Constitutional Court.<ref name="auto"/> [[2015 Catalan regional election|The two pro-independence parties, JxSí and CUP, had 72 seats]], and the vote in favour of independence obtained 70.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/politica/escrutado-Junts-mayoria-absoluta-diputados_0_435356910.html|title=El independentismo supera la mayoría absoluta pero no alcanza el 50% de los votos|website=Eldiario.es|date=27 September 2015 |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>

=== 27–28 October: Dissolution of Catalonian authorities and direct rule ===
On the evening of 27 October 2017, the [[Senate of Spain]] approved the activation of article 155 of the Spanish Constitution for Catalonia in a 214-47 vote, with one abstention.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 October 2017 |title=Spanish senate approves article 155 for Catalonia |url=https://euobserver.com/tickers/139683 |access-date= |website=[[EUobserver]] |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, on 28 October,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=4 November 2017 |title=Catalonia's longest week |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41871476 |access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> Mariano Rajoy dismissed the [[Executive Council of Catalonia]], dissolved the [[Parliament of Catalonia]] and called a [[2017 Catalan regional election|snap regional election]] for 21 December 2017<ref name="eldiario.es-27Oct17">{{cite news |last=Ponce de León |first=Rodrigo |date=27 October 2017 |title=Rajoy cesa a Puigdemont y su Govern y convoca elecciones para el 21 de diciembre |language=es |work=eldiario.es |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Rajoy-cesa-Puigdemont-Govern_0_701680927.html |access-date=27 October 2017}}</ref> and handed coordination over [[Generalitat of Catalonia]] functions to Deputy Prime Minister [[Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 October 2017 |title=Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría - Madrid's enforcer for Catalonia |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41788406 |access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansfield |first=Katie |date=28 October 2017 |title=Spain takes charge of Catalonia- Deputy PM handed CONTROL of region amid fears of violence |language=en |work=Express.co.uk |url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/872242/spain-catalonia-independence-latest-deputy-prime-minister-control-rajoy |access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>

===30–31 October: Suspending declaration of independence===
On 30 October, Parliament Speaker [[Carme Forcadell]] called off a parliamentary meeting scheduled for the next day because the chamber "had been dissolved", thus acknowledging Mariano Rajoy's order.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 October 2017 |title=Forcadell desconvoca la reunión de la Mesa del martes porque el Parlament "se ha disuelto" |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20171030/432484932955/forcadell-desconvoca-reunion-mesa-parlament-disuelto.html |language=es |work=La Vanguardia |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> Later that day, it transpired that Puigdemont and part of his dismissed cabinet had fled to [[Belgium]] in a move to avoid action from the Spanish judiciary,<ref name="eldiario.es-30Oct17">{{cite news |last=Cortizo |first=Gonzalo |date=30 October 2017 |title=Puigdemont y parte de su gobierno se refugian en Bélgica para evitar a la justicia española |url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Puigdemont-Belgica-justicia-euroorden-detencion_0_702730131.html |language=es |work=eldiario.es |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Independent-30Oct17">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/catalonia-leader-carles-puigdemont-left-spain-brussels-rebellion-charges-eu-independence-latest-a8027366.html|title=Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has fled the country amid rebellion charges|date=30 October 2017|work=The Independent|location=Brussels|access-date=4 November 2017}}</ref> as the [[Spanish Attorney General]] [[José Manuel Maza]] announced a [[criminal complaint]] against them for [[rebellion]], [[sedition]] and [[embezzlement]].<ref name="LV-30Oct17">{{cite news |last=Guindal |first=Carlota |date=30 October 2017 |title=La Fiscalía se querella contra Puigdemont y el Govern por rebelión y sedición |url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20171030/432485190372/fiscal-maza-querella-puigdemont-junqueras.html |language=es |work=La Vanguardia |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Guardian-30Oct17">{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/30/spanish-prosecutor-calls-for-rebellion-charges-against-catalan-leaders|title=Spanish prosecutor calls for rebellion charges against Catalan leaders|date=30 October 2017|work=The Guardian|location=Barcelona|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> Concurrently, lack of civil unrest and work resuming as normal throughout Catalonia showed signs that direct rule from Madrid had taken hold, with Spanish authorities reasserting administrative control over Catalan territory with little resistance.<ref name="Bloomberg-30Oct17">{{cite news|last1=Tadeo|first1=Maria|last2=Strauss|first2=Marine|last3=Duarte|first3=Esteban|date=30 October 2017|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-30/no-sign-of-catalan-leader-as-spanish-officials-take-back-control|title=Catalonia Bows to Spanish Authority as Rajoy's Strategy Prevails|work=Bloomberg|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Reuters-30Oct17">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-politics-catalonia/work-resumes-normally-in-catalonia-as-spain-enforces-direct-rule-idUSKBN1CZ0IP?il=0|title=Work resumes normally in Catalonia as Spain enforces direct rule|date=30 October 2017|work=Reuters|location=Barcelona, Madrid|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>

By 31 October, the declaration of independence was fully suspended by the [[Constitutional Court of Spain]] and the dismissed Catalan government accepted the elections proposed by [[Mariano Rajoy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.es/2017/10/31/suspendida-la-declaracion-de-independencia-de-cataluna_a_23262184/|title=Suspendida la declaración de independencia de Cataluña|date=31 October 2017|publisher=www.huffingtonpost.es}}</ref> Puigdemont and part of his cabinet fled to [[Belgium]] in a self-imposed exile to avoid being prosecuted by the Spanish judiciary,<ref name="eldiario.es-30Oct17"/><ref name="Reuters-30Oct17"/> having been formally accused of [[rebellion]], [[sedition]] and [[embezzlement]] by the [[Spanish Attorney General]].<ref name="LV-30Oct17"/><ref name="Guardian-30Oct17"/>

==Aftermath==
{{see also|2017–2018 Spanish constitutional crisis#Independence declaration and direct rule}}
On 2 November, the judge [[Carmen Lamela]] of the [[Audiencia Nacional (Spain)|Spanish National Court]] ordered that eight members of the deposed Catalan government including the ex-vice-president [[Oriol Junqueras]] be remanded in custody without bail. Additionally, [[Santi Vila]], who was the Business Minister that resigned over the unilateral declaration of independence, was granted a €50,000 bail. The prosecution requested issuing [[European Arrest Warrant]]s for Puigdemont and four other members who left Catalonia for [[Brussels]] shortly after the declaration.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan ex-ministers held by Spain court|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41850094|work=[[BBC News]]|date=2 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Sam|title=Spanish judge jails eight members of former Catalan government|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/02/spanish-court-question-catalonia-separatists-except-puigdemont|work=The Guardian|date=2 November 2017}}</ref>

The [[2017 Catalan regional election|Catalan elections]] were held on 21 December and parties supporting independence again won just over half the seats with just under half of the votes cast.<ref>{{cite news|title=Separatist parties in Spain's Catalonia win majority in election|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/21/europe/catalonia-election-results-independence-spain-intl/index.html|work=CNN|date=22 December 2017}}</ref>

On 23 March 2018, Spanish Judge Llarena jailed five more Catalan ministers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spanish Judge Jails 5 Catalan Leaders in a Blow to Secessionist Movement|newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/23/world/europe/spain-catalonia-separatists-judge.html|date=23 March 2018|last1=Minder |first1=Raphael }} </ref> On 25 March, Puigdemont was detained in Germany but released some days later, after the state court in Schleswig rejected extraditing him for rebellion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan president Puigdemont detained in Germany, sparking massive protests|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2018/03/25/catalan-president-puigdemont-detained-in-germany-sparking-massive-protests|work=Daily Sabah|date=25 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Germany refuses to extradite Catalonia's Puigdemont on rebellion charges|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/carles-puigdemont-catalonia-germany-extradite-charges-rebellion-spain-arrest-a8290806.html|work=Independent|date=5 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Puigdemont Cannot Be Extradited on Rebellion Charge, German Court Rules|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/05/world/europe/puigdemont-extradite-germany-spain.html|work=New York Times|date=5 April 2018}}</ref>

On 21 June 2021, Spanish Prime Minister [[Pedro Sánchez]] announced a pardon for those involved in the secession attempt. Days earlier, a poll showed that over 60% of Spaniards opposed the pardons. Sánchez said it would ease tensions with Catalonia, whose regional government welcomed Sánchez's decision.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Faus |first1=Joan |title=Spain to pardon jailed Catalan separatist leaders on Tuesday |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spains-cabinet-pardon-jailed-catalan-separatist-leaders-tuesday-2021-06-21/ |access-date=21 June 2021 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=21 June 2021}}</ref>

After the [[2023 Spanish general election|2023 general elections]], in order to reach an investiture agreement between the main government candidate, PSOE, and Junts per Catalunya, the proposal to use the [[Spanish 1977 Amnesty Law|Amnesty Law]] was presented with the intention of "pursuing full political normality, institutional and social as an essential requirement to address the challenges of the immediate future".<ref>El País. 2023. “El Documento Del Acuerdo Firmado Por PSOE Y Junts Para Dar Vía Libre a La Investidura de Pedro Sánchez.” El País. November 9, 2023. https://elpais.com/espana/2023-11-09/el-documento-del-acuerdo-firmado-por-psoe-y-junts-para-dar-via-libre-a-la-investudura-de-pedro-sanchez.html.</ref> This law affects all those responsible (both politicians and civil participants) who, after the 2014 consultation and the 2017 referendum, have been the subject of decisions or judicial processes linked to these events. However, one of the articles of the agreement leaves out of the amnesty those consequences that "have already been declared by virtue of a final and executed administrative ruling or resolution".<ref>Gabilondo, Pablo. 2023. “La Ley de Amnistía Perdona La Reclamación de Cinco Millones a Los Líderes Del ‘Procés.’” Elconfidencial.com. November 13, 2023. https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2023-11-13/amnistia-tribunal-cuentas-perdona-pagos-millonarios_3766680/.</ref>

The proposal of this law was the cause of constant protests, mainly in the capital during the months following the law proposal, where thousands of citizens expressed their discontent with the agreement presented between the two parties. The social rejection of this agreement was based mainly on the acquittal of the politicians involved in the [[Trial of Catalonia independence leaders|Procès Trial]] and the forgiveness of the debt caused during these events between the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Government of Spain (central government). The forgiven debt reflects nearly 15,000 million euros of a total debt of 71,306 million that the Catalan administration maintains with the Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA).<ref>Sanchis, Albert. 2023. “La Deuda Que Se Perdonará a Cataluña Multiplica Por 15 La de Aragón: La Gran Brecha de Endeudamiento En España.” Xataka. November 3, 2023. https://www.xataka.com/magnet/deuda-que-se-perdonara-a-cataluna-triplica-15-aragon-gran-brecha-endeudamiento-espana#:~:text=Catalu%C3%B1a%20debe%2084.327%20millones%20de.</ref>

==International reactions==
[[File:Reconocimiento Internacional de Cataluña.svg|380px|right|thumb|{{legend|#777777|Spain}}
{{legend|#000000|Catalonia}}
{{legend|#000080|States formally recognizing the Catalan Republic}}
{{legend|#FF0000|States that have rejected the Catalan Republic}}
{{legend|#e0e0e0|States that have not voiced a position on the Catalan Republic, or unclear position}}]]
Catalan independence has received no recognition from any sovereign nation. However, the partially recognized, non-UN-member states [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] claimed they were willing to offer formal recognition should they receive a request to do so from the Catalan government.<ref name="rusreality.com">{{cite web |date=27 October 2017 |url=https://rusreality.com/2017/10/27/abkhazia-is-ready-to-consider-recognizing-the-independence-of-catalonia/ |title=Abkhazia is ready to consider recognizing the independence of Catalonia |publisher=rusreality.com |access-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028150048/https://rusreality.com/2017/10/27/abkhazia-is-ready-to-consider-recognizing-the-independence-of-catalonia/ |archive-date=28 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== UN Security Council permanent member states ===
* {{flagicon|CHN}} [[China]] – China's foreign ministry spokesperson [[Hua Chunying]] stated: "China's stance on this issue is consistent and clear. China regards it as a domestic affair of Spain and understands and supports the Spanish government's effort to maintain national unity, ethnic solidarity and territorial integrity."<ref>{{cite news| title=China supports Spanish unity amid Catalan independence declaration |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/30/c_136715310.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030142737/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/30/c_136715310.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 October 2017| access-date=1 November 2017| work=Xinhua}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[France]] – President [[Emmanuel Macron]] stated that his country's "only interlocutor" with Spain is the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and stressed that the situation in the region of Catalonia is a "domestic affair" of Spain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.europe1.fr/international/catalogne-macron-apporte-son-plein-soutien-a-rajoy-3476636 |title=Catalogne : Emmanuel Macron apporte son "plein soutien" à Mariano Rajoy (Europe1) |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{RUS}} – Foreign Ministry spokeswoman [[Maria Zakharova]] pointed out that Russia's position on the situation in Catalonia "has not changed" and "remains the same", in reference to what it considers a domestic Spanish matter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mk.ru/politics/2017/10/27/poziciya-moskvy-po-voprosu-katalonii-ostalas-neizmennoy.html |title=Позиция Москвы по вопросу Каталонии осталась неизменной |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]] – The Prime Minister's spokesperson stated, "The UK does not and will not recognise the Unilateral Declaration of Independence made by the Catalan regional parliament. It is based on a vote that was declared illegal by the Spanish courts. We continue to want to see the rule of law upheld, the Spanish Constitution respected, and Spanish unity preserved."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-udi-made-by-catalan-regional-parliament-27-october-2017|title=Statement on the Unilateral Declaration of Independence made by the Catalan regional parliament|access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref> 
* {{USA}} – The U.S. State Department stated: "Catalonia is an integral part of Spain, and the United States supports the Spanish government's constitutional measures to keep Spain strong and united".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Smith-Spark|first1=Laura|last2=Rebaza|first2=Claudia|title=Catalonia votes to declare split from Spain|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/27/europe/catalonia-independence-spain/index.html|work=[[CNN]]|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>

=== Other UN member states ===
* {{flagicon|AND}} [[Andorra]]– Government of Andorra considers that Catalonia continues to be an integral part of Spain and appeals for dialogue to resolve the situation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.govern.ad/afers-exteriors/item/8671-el-govern-considera-que-catalunya-continua-essent-una-part-integrant-d-espanya-i-apel-la-al-dialeg-per-resoldre-la-situacio |title=El Govern considera que Catalunya continua essent una part integrant d'Espanya i apel·la al diàleg per resoldre la situació |date=27 October 2017}}</ref> 
* {{AZE}} - Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "The Republic of Azerbaijan supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Spain within its internationally recognized borders. We stand for a peaceful settlement of the current situation based on the Constitution and laws of the Kingdom of Spain.".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mfa.gov.az/en/news/no30517-statement-by-hikmat-hajiyev-spokesperson-of-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-the-republic-of-azerbaijan-on-the-situation-in-the-kingdom-of-spain |title=No:305/17, Statement by Hikmat Hajiyev, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the situation in the Kingdom of Spain |date= 1 November 2017|website=mfa.gov.az}}</ref>
* {{ARG}} – The Argentine Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, does not recognize and rejects the declaration of independence proclaimed by the Parliament of Catalonia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mrecic.gov.ar/argentina-y-la-situacion-en-cataluna-ii |title=Argentina y la situación en Cataluña II |date=27 October 2017|website=Mrecic.gov.ar}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Belgium]] – Belgian Prime Minister [[Charles Michel]] stated, "A political crisis can only be resolved through dialogue. We demand a peaceful solution that respects national and international order."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/923929269931270145 |title=Official witter account of Charles Michel |date=27 October 2017|website=Twitter.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Brazil]] – Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, 28 October 2017, rejected Catalonia's unilateral declaration of independence, calling for the "preservation of unity in the Kingdom of Spain."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/brasil-rejeita-declaracao-de-independencia-da-catalunha-e-pede-dialogo.ghtml |title=Brasil rejeita declaração de independência da Catalunha e pede diálogo |date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{BUL}} – Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Bulgaria "respects the constitutional order of the Kingdom of Spain, the rule of law and the principles of the rule of law as fundamental values of the European Union (EU) and all its members. We support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Spain, which is our strategic partner".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.bg/bg/events/6/1/6172/index.html |title=Позиция на МВнР: България подкрепя териториалната цялост на Испания|website=Mfa.bg |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{CAN}} – Canadian Prime Minister [[Justin Trudeau]] stated that Canada only recognises one united Spain and called for talks to be held in a peaceful fashion.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/catalonia-independence-canadian-politicians-1.4376007 |title=Catalonia independence: Trudeau says Canada recognizes one united Spain |date=27 October 2017 |publisher=CBC}}</ref>
* {{CHI}} – Chile's Foreign Minister [[Heraldo Muñoz]] has assured that his country will support the territorial integrity of Spain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/HeraldoMunoz/status/924044814722715653 |title=Twitter account of the Foreign Minister of Chile |date=27 October 2017|website=Twitter.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{COL}} – Colombian President [[Juan Manuel Santos]] ratified his country's support for the territorial integrity of Spain and the Spanish Government, before the declaration of independence of Catalonia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elpais.com.co/colombia/al-mundo-le-conviene-una-espana-unida-santos-sobre-la-independencia-de-cataluna.html |title="Al mundo le conviene una España unida": Santos sobre la independencia de Cataluña |website=Elpais.com.co|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{CRO}} – [[Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (Croatia)|Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs]] stated that "Croatia regards the events in Catalonia as a matter of Spain's internal affairs, and supports democratic and peaceful solutions in accordance with European values".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://vijesti.hrt.hr/412512/plenkovic-zelimo-da-se-pitanje-katalonije-i-madrida-rijesi-u-okviru-ustava-spanjolske|title=MVEP: Događaji u Kataloniji su unutarnje pitanje Španjolske|date=28 October 2017|work=vijesti.hrt.hr|publisher=[[Croatian Radiotelevision]]|language=hr|access-date=2017-10-29}}</ref>
* {{ECU}} – Ecuadorian Chancellery stated: "Ecuador calls for a solution to the situation in Catalonia through dialogue, within the framework of the Constitution, the law and the Spanish rule of law, with full respect for the freedoms and rights of all the Spanish citizens."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/ecuador-ante-la-situacion-en-cataluna/ |title=Comunicado Oficial: Ecuador ante la situación en Cataluña |date=27 October 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028111330/http://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/ecuador-ante-la-situacion-en-cataluna/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{EST}} – Estonian prime minister [[Jüri Ratas]] stated "Estonia supports the territorial integrity and unity of Spain. Internal affairs must be solved according to their constitution and laws."<ref name="ratasjuritwit">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ratasjuri/status/923964845879373824|title=Estonia supports the territorial integrity and unity of Spain. Internal affairs must be solved according to their constitution and laws.|last=Ratas|first=Jüri|date=27 October 2017|website=@ratasjuri|access-date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{GER}} – the German government stated, "The [[Cabinet of Germany|Federal Government]] does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence" of the Catalan parliament and expressed concern about the declaration causing "renewed aggravation of the situation."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/Artikel/2017/10/2017-10-27-katalonien-unabhaengigkeit.htmlber|title=Seibert: Sorge über erneuten Verfassungsbruch|access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref>
* {{GEO}} – The President of Georgia stated "Georgia fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain and stands in solidarity [with] the Spanish Government," in response to the declaration of independence.<ref name="margvelashviliG">{{cite web|title=Georgia fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain and stands in solidarity W/ the Spanish Government.|url=https://twitter.com/MargvelashviliG/status/923928491317440512|access-date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{HUN}} – Foreign Minister [[Péter Szijjártó]] stated Catalonia's declaration of independence is a "matter of Spanish internal affairs". He added the Government of Hungary "hopes that the situation is resolved as soon as possible in accordance with Spain’s constitutional regulations".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/the-declaration-of-catalonian-independence-is-a-matter-of-spanish-internal-affairs|title=The declaration of Catalonian independence is a matter of Spanish internal affairs|access-date=2017-10-30|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712183706/http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/the-declaration-of-catalonian-independence-is-a-matter-of-spanish-internal-affairs|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{IND}} – The Government of India stated that "Catalonia should address issues of identity and culture within Spain's constitutional framework & respect national integrity"<ref>{{cite news|date=28 October 2017|url=https://twitter.com/DDNewsLive/status/925045423349182464|title=India says #Catalonia should address issues of identity and culture within #Spain's constitutional framework & respect national integrity|language=en |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{IDN}} – Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia does not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Catalonia."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Portal_Kemlu_RI/status/924099152232906752|title=Kementerian Luar Negeri Indonesia|website=Twitter.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{IRL}} – The Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement "We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia. Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/catalan-independence-ireland-3669418-Oct2017/|title=The Irish government says it does not recognise Catalan independence|first=Michelle|last=Hennessy|website=Thejournal.ie|date=28 October 2017 |access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Italy]] – The foreign minister [[Angelino Alfano]] declared that Italy has not and will not recognise an independent Catalonia.<ref>{{cite web|title=El ministro de Exteriores italiano asegura que Italia "no reconoce ni reconocerá" la DUI|url=http://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/politica/MINUTO-Diada_13_685361458_14946.html|website=eldiario.es|access-date=28 October 2017|language=es|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
*{{ISR}} – Israel reportedly initially considered refusing to support Spain against Catalan independence, but ultimately issued a statement saying "Israel hopes that the internal crisis in Spain will be resolved quickly and peacefully and through broad national consensus."<ref name="Israel" >{{cite news|title=Israel refuses to support Spain against Catalan independence|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/237441|access-date=31 October 2017|agency=Arutz Sheva|date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Israel definitively refuses to give way to Spain's diplomatic pressure|url=http://www.elnacional.cat/en/politics/israel-refuses-spain-diplomatic-pressure_208302_102.html|access-date=2 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foreign Ministry Issues First Statement on Catalonia Crisis|url=http://hamodia.com/2017/11/01/foreign-ministry-issues-first-statement-catalonia-crisis/|website=hamodia.com|publisher=Hamodia|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref>
* {{JAM}} – The [[Jamaica|Jamaican Government]] has declared that it does not recognise the declaration of independence of Catalonia as it supports a united Spain. The Government made its position known through the release of a statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Senator [[Kamina Johnson Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|title=El ministro de Exteriores italiano asegura que Italia "no reconoce ni reconocerá" la DUI|url=http://rjrnewsonline.com/local/jamaica-not-in-support-of-catalonias-declaration-of-independence-from-spain|website=rjrnewsonline.com|access-date=12 November 2017|language=en|date=12 November 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|JAP}} [[Japan]] – The Government of Japan has expressed its support for the application of article 155 of the Spanish Constitution before the crisis in Catalonia, and has relied on the situation to be resolved "in a peaceful manner" and in accordance with the Spanish national legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elpais.com/Comentario/1509361713-f0be80c911edabca41a0f59bd8e5f77b|title=Japón ante el 155|access-date=2017-11-24|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023546/https://elpais.com/Comentario/1509361713-f0be80c911edabca41a0f59bd8e5f77b|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{LIT}} – Foreign Minister [[Linas Antanas Linkevičius]] stated in a radio interview that Lithuania supports Spain's territorial integrity and called for dialogue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BNSLithuania/status/923922513880547329|title=BNS Lithuania|access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref>
* {{MAS}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Malaysia)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] tweeted on 1 November that "Malaysia does not recognise Catalonia's unilateral declaration of independence and respects the territorial integrity of Spain".<ref name="MYMFA statement">{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/malaysia-does-not-recognise-catalan-independence/ar-AAuiCQE|title=Malaysia does not recognise Catalan independence|work=The Star|publisher=MSN|date=1 November 2017|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101113532/https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/malaysia-does-not-recognise-catalan-independence/ar-AAuiCQE|archive-date=1 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{MLT}} – Malta does not recognise Catalonia's declaration of independence and will continue to respect the territorial integrity of Spain, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20171027/world/malta-refuses-to-recognise-catalan-independence.661542 |title=Malta refuses to recognise Catalan independence |date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{MAR}} – Morocco rejects the unilateral process of the independence of Catalonia, and expresses its attachment to Spain's "sovereignty and [[territorial integrity]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/Politiqueétrangère/Europe/tabid/2798/vw/1/ItemID/15082/language/en-US/Default.aspx|title=Morocco rejects the unilateral process of the independence of Catalonia, and expresses its attachment to Spain sovereignty and territorial integrity|access-date=2017-10-28|archive-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125124722/https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/Politique%C3%A9trang%C3%A8re/Europe/tabid/2798/vw/1/ItemID/15082/language/en-US/Default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> (despite the fact that Morocco claims [[plazas de soberanía|a few minor parts of Spain]]).
* {{MEX}} – President [[Enrique Peña Nieto]] has stated that Mexico will not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia. Mexico hopes for a peaceful and political solution.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/EPN/status/924039456067407872 |title=Cuenta oficial de Twitter de Enrique Peña Nieto |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{NOR}} – Minister of Foreign Affairs [[Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide]] stated that "Norway will not recognize unilateral declaration of Catalan independence. Re-establish legality as basis for dialogue".<ref>{{Cite web|last=MFA|first=Norway|date=2017-10-27|title=FM #Eriksen Søreide:Norway will not recognize unilateral declaration of Independence #Catalonia. Re-establish legality as basis for dialogue|url=https://twitter.com/NorwayMFA/status/923988214586757120|url-status=live|access-date=2017-12-05|website=@NorwayMFA|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028224109/https://twitter.com/NorwayMFA/status/923988214586757120 |archive-date=28 October 2017 }}</ref>
* {{PAR}} – Paraguayan Chancellery stated: "Paraguay advocates respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law in Spain." "In view of the new events in Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain, the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urges respect and unrestricted adherence to the rule of law, as it is enshrined in the Spanish Constitution, guarantor of the unity and the democratic rights."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mreparaguay/status/924047080552792065/photo/1 |title=Comunicado de Prensa del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Paraguay |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{PER}} – Peruvian Chancellery stated: "In view of the events that occurred in Catalonia, the Government of Peru reiterates its rejection of any act or unilateral declaration of independence, as it is an action contrary to the Spanish Constitution and laws."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rree.gob.pe/SitePages/comunicado_oficial.aspx?id=CO-045-17 |title=Comunicado sobre la situación en Cataluña de la Cancillería del Perú |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|POL}} [[Poland]] –  The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "Poland fully respects the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Kingdom of Spain. We believe that solving the dispute between the government of the Kingdom of Spain and Catalonia, just like any disputes between the Kingdom of Spain and its autonomous regions, including separatist tendencies, are an internal affair of the Kingdom of Spain. We hope that the situation in Catalonia will stabilise quickly in observance of the constitution of the Kingdom of Spain".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/news/mfa_statement_on_developments_in_catalonia_1;jsessionid=B5A9A2627666661E7EA02DAF3C3C090D.cmsap1p|title=MFA statement on developments in Catalonia |access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|POR}} [[Portugal]] –  The Portuguese government asserted that Portugal will not recognize the unilateral Declaration of Independence issued by the government of Catalonia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc21/comunicacao/comunicado#comunicado-do-governo-portugues-sobre-a-declaracao-unilateral-de-independencia-no-parlamento-da-catalunha|title=Governo de portugal|website=Governo de portugal|language=pt|access-date=2017-10-28}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|ROM}} [[Romania]] – In a press statement, the Romanian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country's strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain, rejecting firmly Catalonia's "unilateral declaration of independence", and stressing that "Romania is in favor of the respect of the international law, which does not allow for territorial changes without the consent of the state concerned".<ref name="xinhuanet1">{{cite news |date=28 October 2017|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/28/c_136711964.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028135826/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/28/c_136711964.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2017 |title=Romania reaffirms support for Spain's territorial integrity |work=Xinhua |access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{SRB}} – Foreign Minister [[Ivica Dačić]] stated, "Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Spain and this act contradicts the Spanish constitutional system. Unlike how other countries have reacted to the [[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence|Kosovo unilateral declaration of independence]] – Serbia firmly rejects any similar acts anywhere in the world, including Catalonia."<ref>{{cite web|title=Дачић: Исти је пут Косова и Каталоније|url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/ci/story/1/politika/2919904/dacic-isti-je-put-kosova-i-katalonije.html|website=RTS|access-date=28 October 2017|language=sr|date=27 October 2017|trans-title=Dačić: Catalonia's path is the same as Kosovo's}}</ref>
* {{SLO}} – The foreign ministry issued a statement "reiterating its position in saying that it advocated the right of nations for [[self-determination]], which must be expressed and executed democratically, in a lawful way, and in accordance with the Spanish legislation and international law."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.24ur.com/novice/svet/madrid-pricel-s-konkretnimi-ukrepi-proti-kataloniji-vrhu-policije-odvzeli-pooblastila.html?bl=1|title=FOTO: Katalonski premier vztraja pri neodvisnosti in ljudi poziva k mirnemu uporu|date=2017-10-28|website=24ur|language=sl|trans-title=Catalonian premier insists at independence, and calls for people to rebel peacefully|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{SRI}} – Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Sri Lanka unequivocally supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain, and considers Catalonia as an integral part of Spain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://colombogazette.com/2017/10/28/sri-lanka-rejects-declaration-of-independence-by-catalonia/ |title=Sri Lanka rejects declaration of independence by Catalonia |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{TUR}} – In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry says that the unilateral declaration of independence "does not represent a step in the right direction" and "does not reflect the will of the people of Spain and the region." "We consider fundamental to respect the territorial integrity of Spain, together with the Constitution and the will of the Spanish people," the text added.<ref>{{cite web|title=Katalunya'daki Gelişmelerle İlgili İkaz Duyurusu.|url=http://madrid.be.mfa.gov.tr/Mission/ShowAnnouncement/335836|access-date=28 October 2017|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{UKR}} – Ukraine's Foreign Minister [[Pavlo Klimkin]] stated, "Ukraine supports the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain within its internationally recognized borders."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Klimkin|first1=Pavlo|title=Ukraine supports the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Spain within its internationally recognized borders.|url=https://twitter.com/PavloKlimkin/status/923932138797502464|website=@PavloKlimkin|access-date=28 October 2017|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{URU}} – The [[Ministry of Foreign Relations (Uruguay)|Ministry of Foreign Relations]] issued a statement in which it stated that the Uruguayan Government did not recognize the declaration of independence, and therefore supports "the unity and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Spain".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nº 90/17: España – Situación en Cataluña |url=https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-relaciones-exteriores/comunicacion/comunicados/9017-espana-situacion-cataluna |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores |language=es}}</ref> In addition, President [[Tabaré Vázquez]] declared that it is an internal matter of Spain and that it must be resolved by the Spaniards, hoping that it will be a "peaceful solution".<ref>{{Cite web |last=ElPais |title=Uruguay marcó posición sobre independencia de Cataluña: "Relación es con España" |url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/uruguay-marco-posicion-independencia-cataluna-relacion-espana.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Diario EL PAIS Uruguay |date=30 October 2017 |language=spanish}}</ref>
* {{VIE}} – Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lê Thị Thu Hằng stated: "This is the internal work of Spain and should be resolved on the basis of respect for the constitution and the law, for the unity and stability of Spain".<ref name="Vietnam2017">{{cite web|last1=Giap|first1=Trong|title=Việt Nam lên tiếng về khủng hoảng chính trị Tây Ban Nha|url=https://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/the-gioi/viet-nam-len-tieng-ve-khung-hoang-chinh-tri-tay-ban-nha-3663750.html|website=VnExpress|access-date=31 October 2017|language=vi|date=31 October 2017}}</ref>

===Non UN-member states and UN observer states===

*{{flagicon|Abkhazia}} [[Abkhazia]] has stated that it may recognise Catalan independence if requested by the Catalan government.<ref name="rusreality.com"/>
*{{flagicon|Republic of Artsakh}} The Foreign Ministry of the [[Republic of Artsakh]] issued a statement of support, saying "We consider it important that the resolution of the political crisis between Barcelona and Madrid is achieved by exclusively peaceful means, through dialogue."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nkr.am/en/news/2017-10-28/972/|title=Comment by the Information and Public Relations Department of the Artsakh Foreign Ministry on the Declaration of Independence of Catalonia – MFA NKR|website=nkr.am|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Palestine}} The [[State of Palestine]] stated that it supports a strong and united Spain.<ref>{{cite news|title=Palestina apoya una "España fuerte y unida" y apuesta por el diálogo|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20171030/432492875449/palestina-apoya-una-espana-fuerte-y-unida-y-apuesta-por-el-dialogo.html|access-date=4 November 2017|date=30 October 2017|language=es}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|South Ossetia}} [[South Ossetia]] has expressed willingness in considering a formal recognition should they receive such a request from the Catalan government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Узел |first=Кавказский |title=South Ossetia expresses its willingness to recognize Catalonia as an independent state |url=https://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/41310 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Caucasian Knot}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[Republic of China]] stated that it "hopes for peaceful dialogue between central and regional governments of Spain to resolve the Catalonia issue."<ref>{{cite web|title=Taiwan hopes for peaceful resolution of Catalonia issue: MOFA|url=http://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=329&pid=467418|access-date=29 October 2017|publisher=ocac.gov.tw|date=28 October 2017}}</ref>

=== Devolved governments ===
* {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Belgium]]
** {{flag|Flemish Region}}: The [[Minister-President of Flanders]], [[Geert Bourgeois]], showed support for the Catalan Republic, but acknowledged the decision is up to the Belgian federal government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2017/10/27/liveblog--catalonie-stemt-voor-onafhankelijkheid-/|title=Liveblog: Catalonië onafhankelijk: uren van blijdschap, verwarring en spanning|first=VRT|last=NWS|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> 
* {{CAN}}
** {{flag|Quebec}}: [[Philippe Couillard]], the [[Premier of Quebec]], condemned the violence in Barcelona and encouraged dialogue between both sides.<ref>{{cite news|title=Quebec reacts to violence during Catalan independence vote|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-catalan-violence-1.4315719|access-date=3 March 2018|work=CBC News|date=1 October 2017|language=en}}</ref> The [[National Assembly of Quebec]] unanimously passed a motion on 4 October 2017 condemning Spain's "authoritarianism" and called for the Spanish and Catalan governments to enter international mediation if they could not reach a peaceful solution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Quebec passes unanimous motion condemning Spain's 'authoritarianism' over Catalonia|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3785619/quebec-passes-unanimous-motion-condemning-spains-authoritarianism-over-catalonia/|access-date=3 March 2018|work=Global News|agency=The Canadian Press|date=4 October 2017|language=en}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[France]]
** {{flag|Corsica}}: The President of the [[Corsican Assembly]], [[Jean-Guy Talamoni]], expressed his support for Catalan independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.francetvinfo.fr/france/corse/corse/le-president-de-l-assemblee-de-corse-reconnait-l-independance-de-la-catalogne_2440411.html|title=Le président de l'Assemblée de Corse reconnaît l'indépendance de la Catalogne|date=27 October 2017}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Italy]]
** {{flag|Sardinia}}: Over 100 mayors and local administrators from [[Sardinia]] "recognized" Catalan independence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagliaripad.it/265635/catalogna-amministratori-sardi-riconoscono-indipendenza/|title=Catalogna: amministratori sardi riconoscono indipendenza|first=Ansa|last=News|date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sardegnaeliberta.it/sardegna-amministratori-indipendentisti-uniti-sostegno-della-repubblica-catalana/ |title=Sardegna. Amministratori indipendentisti uniti a sostegno della Repubblica Catalana, Sardegna e Libertà |access-date=22 December 2017 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222220215/https://www.sardegnaeliberta.it/sardegna-amministratori-indipendentisti-uniti-sostegno-della-repubblica-catalana/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days before the declaration, the Sardinian council had already issued a resolution condemning the violence and expressing the wish that Catalans may pursue a pacific path towards the right to choose any political option, including self-determination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/sardegna/notizie/2017/10/25/catalogna-odg-consiglio-contro-violenze_e78f6bbf-12eb-4cd6-bfc8-879ea267b22f.html |title=Catalogna: odg Consiglio contro violenze |publisher=Ansa.it |date=2017-10-17 |access-date=2017-10-29}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]]
** {{SCO}}: Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs [[Fiona Hyslop]] said: "We understand and respect the position of the Catalan Government. While Spain has the right to oppose independence, the people of Catalonia must have the ability to determine their own future. The imposition of direct rule cannot be the solution and should be of concern to democrats everywhere. The European Union has a political and moral responsibility to support dialogue to identify how the situation can be resolved peacefully and democratically."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.gov.scot/news/statement-on-catalonia-1|title=Statement on Catalonia|website=Scottish Government News|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>
** {{WAL}}:  [[First Minister of Wales]] [[Carwyn Jones]] said in a statement: "Sadly what we've seen in recent few weeks has been a worrying cycle of escalation, intimidation and brinkmanship, when what this situation needs is dialogue and diplomacy. It is surely in the interests of all people in Catalonia and the whole of Spain to make a lasting settlement based on mutual respect".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/fmwales/status/923964827516723200|title=Picture|first=Carwyn|last=Jones|date=27 October 2017|website=Twitter.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref>

=== International organisations ===
* {{flagicon|European Union}} [[European Union]] – On 27 October, [[Donald Tusk]], President of the European Council, declared: "For [[European Union|EU]] nothing changes. Spain remains our only interlocutor."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tusk|first1=Donald|title=For EU nothing changes. Spain remains our only interlocutor. I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force.|url=https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/923914819631271936|website=@eucopresident|access-date=28 October 2017|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> The President of the European Parliament, [[Antonio Tajani]], also stated: "The declaration of independence voted on today in the Catalan Parliament is a breach of the rule of law, the Spanish constitution and the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, which are part of the EU's legal framework. No one in the European Union will recognize this declaration. More than ever, it is necessary to re-establish legality as a basis for dialogue and to guarantee the freedoms and rights of all Catalan citizens."<ref>{{cite web|title=European Parliament President statement on the situation in Catalonia {{!}} The President {{!}} European Parliament|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/the-president/en/newsroom/european-parliament-president-statement-on-the-situation-in-catalonia-30|website=europarl.europa.eu|access-date=28 October 2017|location=Brussels|date=27 October 2017}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* {{flag|United Nations}} – United Nations Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] called on the Spanish authorities and the Catalan government to seek for solutions to the current crisis within the framework of the Spanish constitution, UN Deputy Spokesman [[Farhan Haq]] told reporters on 27 October. "We are trying to follow up on the developments. For now, the Secretary-General encourages all concerned to seek solutions within the framework of the Spanish constitution and through established political and legal channels," he said.<ref>{{cite web|title=UN calls for resolving Catalonia crisis within the framework of the Spanish constitution.|url=http://tass.com/world/973023|access-date=28 October 2017|date=27 October 2017|website=Tass.com}}</ref>

==See also==<!-- New links in alphabetical order please -->
*[[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence]]
*[[2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis]]
*[[Catalan general strike]]
*[[Catalan independence]]
*[[2017 Catalan independence referendum]]
*[[Catalan nationalism]]
*[[Declaration of the Initiation of the Process of Independence of Catalonia]]
*[[History of Catalonia]]
*[[Politics of Catalonia]]
*[[Law of juridical transition and foundation of the Republic]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Category:Catalonia Declaration of Independence |b=no |n=no |q= no |s=ca:Propostes de resolució de la constitució de la República Catalana (2017) |v=no |d=Q41796018}}
* [http://www.ara.cat/2017/10/10/Declaracio_Independencia_amb_logo_-1.pdf Declaració d'Independència de Catalunya (In Catalan)]
* [http://www.cataloniavotes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/27-Declaration-of-Independence.pdf Declaration of Independence of Catalonia (In English)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029133802/http://www.cataloniavotes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/27-Declaration-of-Independence.pdf |date=29 October 2017 }}

{{Catalan nationalism|state=autocollapse}}
{{Catalonia topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Catalonia Declaration of Independence}}
[[Category:Declarations of independence]]
[[Category:Catalan law]]
[[Category:2017 in Catalonia]]
[[Category:2017 in law]]
[[Category:2017 documents]]
[[Category:Catalan independence movement]]
[[Category:Politics of Catalonia]]
[[Category:History of Catalonia]]
[[Category:October 2017 events in Spain]]
[[Category:Carles Puigdemont]]