International News

MADRID, July 28, (APP/AFP): The Spanish government has filed
an appeal with the country’s constitutional court against a reform
passed by the Catalan parliament to fast-track bills through the
regional parliament, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Friday.
Catalonia’s majority separatist lawmakers hope the reform
they approved on Wednesday will pave the way for an independence
referendum in the wealthy northeastern region called for October
1 which Madrid deems illegal.
“By presenting this appeal the government is fulfilling its
duty to make sure the law is upheld,” Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy
told a news conference.
“Catalan society needs to be protected from a radical and
divisive project which is being imposed on them by force,” he
added.
“There will not be any referendum on October 1…this is
not constitutional and it is not legal.”