The fight for Catalonia's independence intensified Monday when the Spanish government urged the constitutional court to block a referendum on independence in the region.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the November referendum ordered by Catalonia's president must not take place because such matters are only allowed to be voted on by the Spanish, according to the nation's 35-year-old constitution.
"The consultation [referendum] is not compatible with the constitution, neither in its objective nor in its procedure," Rajoy said according to the Financial Times. "National sovereignty rests with the Spanish people, in its entirety, and one part of it cannot take decisions about something that affects everyone."
The government's appeal comes after Catalan President Artur Mas signed a decree ordering a region-wide referendum on Nov. 9. The region, which has its own language, has shown an increasing desire to end 300 years of Spanish rule only to face repeated rejection by the government.
Rajoy accused Mas of trying to "break the bonds of brotherhood that have united Catalonia and Spain throughout our long common history," the FT reported.
"I regret that the [Catalan] president has called a consultation on self-determination that goes beyond democracy, divides the Catalans [and] separates them from Europe and the rest of Spain."
If the court accepts the government's appeal, the referendum will be suspended for a period no longer than five months, which means there is a good chance the November referendum will be pushed back. Experts say the court will most likely side with Spain.
Catalonia can hold a referendum, but only if the 1979 constitution is amended, the Associated Press reported. Rajoy said he is open to communicating with Catalan officials for a solution.
