2017 Catalan independence referendum

The 2017 Catalan independence referendum was a vote held by the Catalonia region in Spain to decide whether it should become independent. The Catalan government promoted the referendum despite it being declared illegal by Spain's courts. On October 1, 2017, voters participated amid police attempts to prevent voting, leading to clashes. Despite the controversy and limited official recognition, the Catalan authorities claimed a majority of votes supported independence. The Spanish government responded by dissolving the Catalan parliament and arresting many leaders, escalating tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish state.