Catalonia government hit by resignations in pre-referendum crisis
Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont told the press on Friday that ministers in charge of interior matters and education.
Catalonia, a wealthy region of Spain with its own language and customs, has long demanded greater autonomy
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Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont told the press on Friday that ministers in charge of interior matters and education, as well as government spokeswoman Neus Munte had stepped aside.
He did not give a reason for their departure, but Catalonia's executive has recently been embroiled in heated debate over the vote planned for October 1 as Madrid piles pressure on members of the northeastern regional government.
The first major sign of tensions came earlier this month when Jordi Baiget, in charge of business, expressed doubts over whether the referendum could ever take place, given the power of Madrid.
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Puigdemont promptly announced Baiget's departure -- a decision that was criticised by some of the most fervent supporters of independence.
Madrid is fiercely opposed to a referendum, deeming it illegal and a threat to Spain's unity.
The Constitutional Court has already quashed a resolution approved by Catalonia's parliament calling for the referendum to take place.
It has also warned Catalonia's elected officials that they will face legal consequences if they take any steps towards holding such a vote.
Catalonia's former president Artur Mas was banned from holding office for two years for organising a referendum in 2014. The vote he held was merely symbolic and non-binding.
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The referendum planned for October will be binding, according to Catalonia's executive, which has said it will declare independence within 48 hours if the region's voters opt to separate from Spain.
Pressure
Civil servants in Catalonia are in a tough situation, struggling to decide whose orders to follow -- those of their Catalan bosses or of the national government in Madrid.
They will be called upon to organise the referendum by carrying out such steps as opening schools to serve as polling stations, or policing the 7.5-million-strong region.
If they disobey orders from their Catalan bosses, they could face disciplinary action but if they obey, they will go against Spanish law and will therefore face sanctions, which could even lead to job losses.
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Madrid has also warned companies against any involvement in the referendum, such as providing ballot boxes for the vote.
As the pressure mounted, cracks emerged this week between Puigdemont and his number two Oriol Junqueras, who had refused to be put in charge of organising a referendum.
He wanted the entire executive to take responsibility for such a controversial vote.
As a result, Puigdemont decided to talk to each and every government member. Friday's resignations could mean that those who stepped aside were not ready to take joint responsibility.
Speaking at the same press conference, Junqueras said from now on all those in the government would take responsibility for any decision made.
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Catalans themselves are divided on the issue of independence.
A total of 48.5 percent are against independence and 44.3 percent are in favour, according to a recent regional government poll -- although a large majority want a referendum to settle the matter once and for all.
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