The Catalan National Assembly -Assemblea- sees October 27 as a key day in Catalan history, marking the 2017 Declaration of Independence of Catalonia. Passed by an absolute majority in the Catalan Parliament, this declaration reflects Catalonia’s enduring commitment to self-determination and the democratic will of its people as expressed in the Referendum held on October 1st.
Following this historic act, Catalonia’s Parliament was illegally dissolved by the Spanish government at the orders of former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who enforced Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution to seize control and call new elections without any form of constitutional guarantee. This aggressive intervention by the Spanish state dismantled Catalonia’s elected institutions, blocking its democratic functions.
Since then, Catalonia’s Parliament has operated under constant judicial pressure. Spanish courts have repeatedly infringed on the rights of Catalonia’s representatives from exercising their democratic mandates through imprisonment, forced exiles, suspensions and disablement from office. Spain’s judiciary has undermined the results the Catalan elections, obstructed legislative sessions, and imposed forced interruptions on parliamentary activity. This erosion of democratic rights has stripped the Parliament of its independence, reducing its role to one of limited autonomy and constrained representation.
Despite these challenges, we urge the people of Catalonia to remain steadfast in the pursuit of self-determination. Assemblea calls for renewed efforts to reclaim Catalonia’s independence and sovereignty, using peaceful and nonviolent methods to fulfill the aspirations set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
Together, with our unwavering determination, we continue to advance towards the consolidation of the Catalan Republic by way of a renewed roadmap, the introduction of new methods of resistance and open paths to achieve self-determination.