MOSCOW, April 8 (RIA Novosti) – Spanish lawmakers are set to debate a request on Tuesday by Catalonia's regional assembly to hold a referendum on independence from Spain.
Representatives of Catalonia’s main pro-independence parties will present their case before the Spanish Congress in Madrid, before the issue will be debated and voted on by deputies.
The request is expected be rejected by more than 80 percent of the legislature.
Last month, Spain's Constitutional Tribunal ruled that an independence referendum would be in violation of the country’s constitution.
The motion is also strongly opposed by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who claims Catalonia’s independence would be detrimental for both the regional and national economies.
Catalan President Artur Mas called Tuesday’s session a mere formality with a predetermined outcome, saying he refuses to attend the debate and will keep struggling for independence.
"If they say no, they will say no to a law. But they can't stop the will of the people of Catalonia," Mas told reporters on Sunday.
Mars added that the referendum will be held on November 9 even if the Spanish Parliament rejects the request.
