> We do have clear separation of powers in Spain

We do have a formal one. In practice that is not so clear, as the many corruption cases show, with political use of the police included.

Also they not only have declared the referendum illegal, but are persecuting everyone promoting the referendum, so much for freedom of speech. But anyways, now you get into a criminal trial for making jokes about terrorist actions from 40 years ago against Franco ministers.

I am Andalusian and I'd be happy to keep Catalonian withing the Spanish state, under a federalist republic where we can move forward together. But in the current state of affairs I very much understand the independentist movement. Having a referendum is the only solution long-term and the Spanish goverment just uses legalist excuses to stop it. What they don't say is that precisely they can change the law to allow it!

>>> We do have a formal one. In practice that is not so clear, as the many corruption cases show, with political use of the police included.

I would agree that there is some leakage, but it is the exception to the rule. I would not make such a generalization.

>>> Also they not only have declared the referendum illegal

They have suspended the law that would allow the Catalonian goverment promote the referendum, so it is indeed illegal to promote the referendum.

>>> I am Andalusian and I'd be happy to keep Catalonian withing the Spanish state

Me too. I am Andalusian too.

You're right, I've updated my comment to reflect this. Thanks!

That's not true. Actually there is no power separation on Spain. Judicial system and TC is an extra arm for the govern.

Yes, it is true. The separation of powers is similar in other Western democracies.

>>> Actually there is no power separation on Spain

That's a pretty bold statement. Maybe you should provide some evidence.

Judges managing the top tribunal are choosen from the main Spanish politic party. And also they are managing them to hide all their corrupt causes. Most of main Spanish gov are direct inheritors of Franco.

There is no evidence here, just a respectable opinion.

What an statement, but that not means it's true.