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You are here: Home News Spanish News Thousands march for Catalonia's independence

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12/09/2009Thousands march for Catalonia's independence

Thousands of supporters of independence for the wealthy northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia marched Friday through Barcelona to push for the creation of their own state.

Barcelona - Thousands of supporters of independence for the wealthy northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia marched Friday through Barcelona to push for the creation of their own state.

The protestors marched through the streets of Spain's second-largest city and the capital of Catalonia behind a large black and red banner that read in the Catalan language: "We are a Nation, We want an own state."

Among those taking part in the demonstration, timed to coincide with the Catalonian National Day, was the president of European football champions FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta.

Spain's 17 autonomous communities already control most aspects of government, including health and education.

In 2006 Catalonia approved in a referendum an autonomy statute to give itself even greater powers but its validity has been contested by the opposition Popular Party with a ruling from Spain's constitutional court expected alter this year.

The possibility that the court may strike down the statute is fueling separatist sentiment in Catalonia as are plans by the Catalan town of Arenys de Munt to go ahead will a referendum on self-determination on Sunday which has been ruled illegal.

Catalonia's independence movement seeks a state running from the French border to the coastal city of Valencia, and including the Balearic Islands as well as the wealthy and populous region's main city of Barcelona.

AFP / Expatica


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