Catalonia’s hopes for independence were slowed down on Monday (September 29) when Spain’s constitutional court decided to suspend a planned referendum on the issue.<br /><br />Catalan authorities recently stated the vote would take place on November 9, but it seems their plans will now be put on hold.<br /><br />Artur Mas, the president of the north eastern region, was surprised at the speed of the court’s decision, which was apparently made during a one-hour emergency meeting.<br /><br />“The speed in which Spain’s constitutional court organised the meeting broke the sound barrier – they didn’t even wait a day to announce an initial decision,” he said.<br /><br />While the meeting was taking place, Mas presented a ‘white book’ outlining the steps Catalonia would have to take in the event of independence.<br /><br />Madrid has always fought against an election on separation and originally asked the court to declare the vote illegal. <br /><br />While this has not happened, the referendum will now be suspended until a final ruling is made on its legality.<br /><br />Catalan authorities have 20 days to appeal against the decision.
