Self-determination for Basque Country

Spain’s Basque Country adopted a declaration of self-determination yesterday (Thursday), with lawmakers taking a step towards the region gaining more powers.

The northern region, which already has significant self-governing powers and can raise its own taxes, is following in the footsteps of Catalonia’s regional parliament, which made a sovereignty claim last year.

The declaration was backed by 48 votes from the Basque National Party and pro-independence party Bildu.

The declaration is a political statement which carries no legal weight, although it could eventually lead to a step towards secession, like in Catalonia.

In March Spain’s Constitutional Court argued that the Catalan declaration was “null and unconstitutional”. However, the Catalan government has said it remains committed to holding a referendum on Nov 9.

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is already under pressure regarding the Catalonia independence issue, and the Basque Country declaration is likely to cause more political tension.