Catalonia heads for a referendum: All you need to know about the centuries-old struggle

Moneycontrol News

One of Spain's richest province, Catalonia is all set to vote in an independence referendum on Sunday.

Catalonia has been part of the Spanish empire for over six centuries and has been seeking independence for a long time now.

Earlier this year, Catalonia's provincial government announced the referendum, setting the province on collision course with the Madrid-based central government.

On September 7, Spain's Constitutional court suspended the law on the referendum, in turn forbidding Catalan office holders, Catalan media and 948 municipalities of the province from participating in the referendum's preparation.

The regional government is not backing down and is likely to go ahead with the vote. The Madrid-based central government has deployed thousands of police officers.

The police have been ordered to confiscate documents of anyone participating in the vote.

It also warned that anyone found possessing keys or entrance codes of a polling booth could be considered a collaborator to 'crimes of disobedience', 'misuse of office' and 'misappropriation of funds'.

Spanish authorities have also arrested 14 officials and seized almost 10 million ballot papers that were to be used in Sunday's vote.

Why is Catalonia seeking independence?

Catalonia located in the north-east of the country, was integrated with Spain in 1469 AD.

Catalans maintain a strong sense of nationality. They are seeking independence on economic, linguistic, historic and cultural grounds.

One of the biggest reasons is the economic divide between the province and the rest of Spain.

History of the movement

Catalonia was part of the Kingdom of Aragon. In 1469, Ferdinand I of Aragon married Queen Isabella of the large neighbouring Kingdom of Castile (modern day Spain). This union officially marked the integration of Catalonia and Spain.

In the centuries to follow, Spanish monarchs tried to impose language and laws in Catalonia to try and unify the kingdom completely.

However, in 1931 the “Catalan Republic under the Iberian Federation” was gave Catalonia some level of autonomy.

After a three-year civil war, General Francisco Franco emerged victorious and ruled until his death on November 20, 1975.

Franco cracked down on Catalan liberties, the slightest protests, oppressed Catalan culture and carried out widespread executions.

After Franco's death, Catalonia was granted autonomy except in the areas of judiciary and public order.

While the sentiment has always existed in the province, the demand for separation has gathered steam since the 1990s.

Effects of possible secession

Catalonia is one of the most prosperous regions of Spain. In 2013, Catalonia accounted for around 20 percent of the Spain's GDP.

Some reports suggest independent Catalonia's GDP per capita could be higher than countries like South Korea and Italy.

But, it could also impact Catalonia. Spain's economy minister Luis de Guindos has warned Catalonia’s economy could 'shrink by 30 percent' and unemployment double if it gains independence.

It will not remain member of the European Union and will have to go through a long process to return to the EU.

Result of Sunday's referendum is not binding on Madrid but authorities are worried it could spiral out of control.