Now Andalusia declares itself a 'nation' too

[Ferran]

Now Andalusia declares itself a 'nation' too

2 May 2006

SEVILLE — Andalusia became the second region in Spain to declare itself a 'nation' as it voted through its own bid for more autonomy.

Modelled on the Catalan 'statute', the Andalusian version was voted through in the regional parliament by the ruling Socialist party and the United Left party.

The document, which has yet to be agreed by central government, states the southern Spanish region is a 'national reality'.

This measure has caused controversy because critics dispute the national nature of the region.

But Manuel Chaves, Socialist regional prime minister, said: "This is not a secondary issue. Andalusia has a strong national character."

In general, the document it is more federalist in its design than the Catalan version.

It does not stake claim to a higher proportion of taxes and does not demand control of the airports as the Catalans tried to.

The measure was opposed by the opposition Popular Party and the regional Andalusia Party.

It is expected to be debated by the Congress of deputies in Madrid on 23 Madrid.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]



Source: http://www.expatica.com/source/site_...nation%27+too+