摘要
Since the adoption of the 1978 Spanish Constitution, the relationship between the Spanish State and the Catalonian autonomous region has been considerably strained. Originally, many remembered the dictatorship of Francisco Franco （1936-1975）, when centralization was heavily imposed on all parts of the country, irrespectively of ethnicity, language or traditions. As the constitutional bargain （Title VIII of the 1978 Constitution） worked for smaller regions （Madrid） or poorer regions （Extremadura）, it did not pan out for an economic powerhouse as Catalonia. For over 30 years, Catalonian regional political parties （notably Convergencia e Unio） have held the balance of power within the Spanish parliamentary system. Autonomous regions were allowed to write their own ＂statutes＂, a sort of sub-national constitution subject to national approval. Anti-Spanish sentiment is running high in Catalonia, and a straw poll was conducted in 2014, as voters were asked if they wanted to remain part of the Spanish kingdom. Many Catalonians would sever all ties with Madrid while attempting to remain in the European Union, a move preemptively vetoed by the European Commission. Inevitably, more judicialization is expected, whether on a federal scenario （intergovemmental relations： who does what） or if secession ultimately happens and economic compensation becomes necessary. The ruling Popular Party is adamant to any concessions; left-wing parties are more open to nationalistic demands. But the strictly political negotiations between the Popular party and the Socialists （who favor federalism） are stalled and nationalism is being overplayed by regional forces. As political solutions seem to falter momentarily, Courts will experience more demands based on identity grounds.
