Symbolic independence referendum in Catalonia

On Dec. 13, the symbolic, unofficial independence referendum took place in 166 towns and villages in Catalonia - the richest region in Spain.

Almost 10 per cent Catalans were called on to answer the question: "Do you agree that Catalonia become a social, democratic and independent state, and member of the European Union?" The outcome has no legal force, as the Spain's constitution only allows referendums if they are mandated by the central government, but the organizers believe that the voting could be the first step leading to the independence of the region. The referendum was boycotted by the main Spanish political forces, including two big parties, the Socialists and the conservative People's Party as well as Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who said that the referendums "are not going anywhere." Uriel Bertran, spokesman for the referendum's organisers, quoted by the BBC News, said:

The turnout has been good. Tomorrow Catalonia will awake as if it is another country, with new hope.

The organizers already planned further referendums in other parts pf the region, including the Catalonia's capital, Barcelona.