British parliament inquiry addresses Russian meddling in Catalonia
A committee investigating fake news will hear testimony from Spanish experts in the week of the Catalan regional elections
Elections Catalonia
“Either I’m the premier or a separatist leader will be”
The leader of the Catalan Socialists is convinced that he can govern without a coalition even though polls place his party in third or fourth place
“I’m hoping for a cross-party government with other constitutionalist forces”
The Ciudadanos leader in Catalonia talks about her plans if she becomes the next premier following the regional elections of December 21
Anti-independence parties close to victory in Catalan election: poll
But results show more political uncertainty on the cards for Catalonia in future with voter turnout expected to be a key factor
Spain working to prevent cyberattacks and fake news during Catalan election
The official vote count is manual and cannot be tampered with, but the website showing preliminary results could be vulnerable
Belgian courts officially end legal proceedings against Puigdemont
Presence of sacked Catalan premier and former ministers was not required for brief procedure
Catalan campaign marred by harassment of anti-independence parties
Experts say region is polarized like never before, and warn of a social climate that could lead to low-level violence
Business creation drops 14.3% in Catalonia as independence push bites
Corporate leaders seeking “economic stability” eye Constitutionalist parties in run-up to regional election
Spain eyes sending 3,500 Civil Guard officers to Catalonia for election day
Internal memo suggests security operation, which had been scaled down, is set to be increased ahead of the Catalan vote
Supreme Court ramps up investigation into Catalan independence process
Judicial authorities seeking to establish if political parties and civic organizations worked together in drive toward secession
Spanish authorities working to combat bots, hackers ahead of Catalan election
Security services are concerned about fake news and about potential meddling by groups like Anonymous on December 21
How the drive for Catalan independence swept corruption under the rug
The secessionist agenda was pushed forward even as evidence of graft by the ruling party kept piling up
Puigdemont’s life in his Belgian refuge
Ousted Catalan premier and former ministers, who fled to Brussels, are being protected by local authorities and a small group of aides
Health
Healthcare funding slashed in Catalonia during independence push
Regional system shed 2,400 jobs and lost 1,100 hospital beds under former premier Artur Mas
Climax of foolishness
Catalan separatists’ march in Brussels seals their break with democracy and with Europe
Battle lines drawn as parties face off in intense first Catalan election debate
Pro- and anti-independence leaders locked horns in a heated discussion ahead of December 21 vote
CATALAN INDEPENDENCE
Pro-independence demonstration in Brussels attracts 45,000 protestors
Catalan separatists – including ousted regional premier Carles Puigdemont – present their cause as a battle against the “Francoists” of the Spanish government
Catalan politician Josep Rull on time in prison: “The food was very gassy”
Sacked minister spent month behind bars playing table tennis, reading letters and watching television
Fugitives without privileges
The withdrawal of the European arrest warrant for Puigdemont leaves his hypocrisy clear to see for his supporters
Unionist parties to benefit most from expected record turnout at Catalan elections
Ciudadanos and Socialists set to gain seats, while the PP will plummet according to opinion polls
Spanish PM: Willing to overhaul Constitution, but conditions apply
Catalan crisis acting as catalyst for reform, but Rajoy warns that a broad consensus is required to ensure success
Podemos could lose votes to almost every other party in Catalonia
Voter intention poll shows supporters turning to other options, partly due to ambiguity over the independence bid
Catalan separatists keep independence plans, but stay vague on time frames
Key parties ERC and JuntsxCat now pushing for “dialogue” with Spanish state after December 21 election
Court withdraws European warrant for Puigdemont
Spanish authorities concerned Belgian system could limit ability to pursue charges against ex-premier
Poll hints at separatist-unionist tie in hotly contested Catalan election
Campaign race for December 21 features jailed and self-exiled candidates, and highly motivated voters
Spanish court refuses to release two prominent Catalan ex-officials
Supreme Court lets six out on bail, but former deputy premier Junqueras and ex-interior chief Forn remain behind bars
The false excuses of the Catalan pro-independence movement
Separatist leaders had long promised a resounding response to the Spanish government, something they now deny
Jailed figures from pro-Catalan independence drive request release
A Supreme Court judge heard statements on Friday from the 10 former ministers and association heads, and will rule on Monday
Everyone against Ciudadanos
The strength of Albert Rivera’s group has prompted a concerted campaign from the other parties, who accuse it of moving further to the right
The waning power of Podemos and its leader Pablo Iglesias
The anti-austerity party has been slipping in the polls for months, partly due to its approach to Catalan separatism