The celebration of a referendum on the independence of Catalonia will be one of the main issues for Pere Aragonès (ERC) in his bid for re-election as the president of the Generalitat. The republican leader presented a report from the Institute of Self-Government Studies on the constitutional framework for this vote, challenging the government of Pedro Sánchez. Aragonès aims to assert his position against his competitors from Junts per Catalunya, Carles Puigdemont’s party, who have also expressed their desire for a referendum. The proposed question for the referendum is: “Do you want Catalonia to be an independent State?” Aragonès stated that voting on independence is possible within the current legal framework, similar to the amnesty issue.
The report outlines three potential pathways to hold a referendum, with the option of Article 92 of the Constitution being considered the most optimal by the Republic leader. The document argues that the Constitution does not explicitly prohibit a referendum on independence, as long as the results lead to negotiations between the territorial actors. This move by Aragonès is strategic, especially in light of the ongoing discussions around the amnesty bill for the leaders of the Catalan independence movement. The presentation of the report and the push for a referendum reflect the party’s efforts to assert its position and engage in electoral campaigning.
Amidst increasing competition between independence parties and the entry of Carles Puigdemont as a candidate, Aragonès is also seeking to distinguish himself from his former coalition partner. The tension between ERC and Junts during negotiations with the Socialist Party regarding the referendum and the amnesty law further illustrates the complex dynamics within the pro-independence movement. The presentation of the report is strategic, as it comes at a time when the independence issue is gaining prominence in the political discourse in Catalonia, despite efforts by the government and PSOE to downplay it.
The legal report, commissioned as part of the preparations for the Clarity Agreement, aims to identify the legal pathways for a referendum inspired by the Scottish model. However, the report omits specific conditions such as participation thresholds or result criteria for a valid referendum. It emphasizes the need for a clear and binary question and suggests that the referendum should only apply to the territory of Catalonia. The document also references the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Catalonia’s right to decide, emphasizing the need for dialogue and cooperation in resolving territorial issues.
The report also explores alternative pathways for a referendum, including potential reforms that may require changes to existing legislation. While it acknowledges the limitations imposed by the Constitutional Court’s previous rulings, it emphasizes the need for political dialogue and cooperation in addressing territorial disputes. The recommendations align with the principles outlined by the Venice Commission, highlighting the importance of a transparent and inclusive referendum process. Overall, the presentation of the legal report and the push for a referendum reflect the ongoing political dynamics within the Catalan independence movement, as parties navigate issues of legality, governance, and sovereignty.
