Catalonia can call itself a “nation” says Spain’s top court

Spain’s highest court has upheld the majority of a charter granting new powers of self-rule to Catalonia.

But for some politicians its still not enough – the decree stops short of approving some of the most controversial points, including recognition of Catalan as the “preferred” language.

While acknowledging that the essence of the charter has survived, Catalan regional president Jose Montilla said it should have been passed in its entirety and called on the people of Catalonia to protest.

The verdict ended nearly four years of debate in which liberal and conservative judges locked horns over whether the charter went beyond the limits of Spain’s policy of granting some self-rule to its 17 regions.

The judges decided Catalonia can call itself a “region” as the term has no legal standing.

Spain’s conservative Popular Party filed a suit against the charter in 2006, challenging around half of its 222 articles.

The party feared it would mean the end of Spain as a unified state.

The decree gives Catalonia a much bigger slice of the tax it collects as well as a say in judicial appointments.

It also grants control over several areas, including infrastructure and work permits for immigrants.

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