Uncertainty about when exactly transition law will be passed
With no date for bill’s passage, Catalan executive reiterates its determination to hold referendum despite criticism from opposition
The two bills considered essential for calling and holding the October 1 independence referendum are already on the table. However, no one yet knows when they will be passed. The law of transitional jurisprudence was registered in Parliament on Monday, while the referendum law had already been registered on July 31.
Yet, the chamber’s Bureau has still not signed off on the bills. It is believed that the pro-independence-controlled body is waiting for the best moment to do so, in order to avoid a likely Spanish ban before they are put before the chamber. What seems clear is that once the bills take the next step in the Parliament, the Spanish executive and courts will quickly act to prevent them coming into force.
‘They have overstepped all limits’ says opposition
The parties in Catalonia opposed to the October 1 vote not only criticized the bill presented on Monday, but also the decision to put its passage through Parliament on hold. “They have overstepped all limits,” said a Ciutadans opposition party Bureau member. “They cannot play with the Parliament to favor [Catalan President] Puigdemont,” he added.
Determination to vote
Despite the recent criticism, the Catalan government is determined to hold the October 1 referendum. “Do not waste time, we will vote on October 1,” a government spokesperson told the Spanish executive and the Catalan parties opposed to the referendum. He claimed that whatever obstacles the Spanish authorities put in the way and despite the opposition’s “filibustering,” the executive’s plans will go ahead.