Basque MPs vote on controversial autonomy plan
Basque MPs gathered today to vote on a hotly-contested plan that would turn their troubled region into a virtually sovereign state – the stiffest challenge to the Spanish government since the Basque country gained broad autonomy 25 years ago.
The blueprint masterminded by the regional president, Juan Jose Ibarretxe, would give the wealthy northern region even more say in running its affairs, such as its own court system and representation in international bodies like the European Union.
