Catalans head for resounding yes vote in autonomy poll

[spindrifter]

Giles Tremlett in Madrid
Saturday June 17, 2006
The Guardian

Catalans were expected to deliver a massive yes vote to their new autonomy charter at a referendum tomorrow, despite claims from conservative opposition groups that it represents a first step in the disintegration of Spain.

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The government's own poll last week predicted 75% of voters would say yes to a charter that defines Catalonia's position within Spain for the next few decades.

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Spain is divided into 17 regions, each with varying degrees of self-government. A Catalan yes vote was expected to start a rush by other regions to revise their charters as well.

In every case they were expected to demand extra powers, draining Madrid's control over public spending.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/spain/article/0,,1799821,00.html