Questions and answers page 





I already have a UK Sky box, will this work in Spain?
Yes, almost all modern day Sky boxes from the UK work fine in Spain. Our satellite engineer will carry out a series of tests on your equipment to confirm if it is working before starting an installation. Keep in mind, although we offer a full 12 months warranty for all work carried out by us, we are unable to offer a warranty of any kind on equipment we did not supply. Also please note that the dish you had in Britain is far too small to be of any use here, so a new, larger satellite dish will be needed in Spain and regional variations here can determine just how big a dish will be required. Which is where skytvme 20 years of experience in the field comes to your aide.
I don't have a Sky box or Satellite Dish, are you able to provide all the equipment necessary for me to watch Sky TV in Spain?
Yes of course, our satellite engineers carry all the equipment necessary to get you up and running, which includes all types of Sky boxes and the Dishes required.
What Sky TV channels will I receive in Spain?
If you still maintain an active account with Sky, you can expect to receive all the Sky TV channels, the same as you had back in the UK.
Will I be able to pause and record Sky TV in Spain?
In order to pause and record Sky TV (Sky+,HD+) you will need to have a Satellite dish installation that supports this particular feature, this is because the dish must be able to receive two signals, one to stream live TV and the other to feed your recorder.
Do I still need to pay Sky a monthly fee to view Sky TV in Spain?
You only need an active Sky TV subscription if you want to watch the subsciption channels such as Sky Movies, Sky Sports, Documentaries, etc and the recording facities of Sky+/HD+. If you do not have an active Sky subscription you can still expect to receive all free to view channels, including the British digital channels such as BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4, CH5, etc.
What type of reception can I expect from my Sky TV in Spain?
Depending on your location and equipment you can expect an excellent reception of all major Sky TV in Spain. Although please keep in mind that all satellite signals experience issues during bad weather such as tropical storms and we have been known to have a few of them here in Spain.
How long will it take to install Sky TV at my villa?
Our skilled satellite engineers can usually complete your installation in a matter of hours providing they have access to all areas necessary to complete the installation.
I am renting a property, do I need permission from my landlord to install Sky TV?
Yes, we would always advise you to ask for permission before installing Sky TV as this does require installation of a large Satellite dish, used to receive the Sky TV signal. Most landlords are more than happy to let you do this, but they might ask that the dish is placed in a discreet location. Also in the case of apartment blocks and small estates, permission must be sourced from the community administrations representative. If this is the case, please mention this to our Satellite engineer before installation commences, because we are also experienced in dealing with the legal aspects of this and we speak the language fluently.
What happens if my Sky TV stops working? www.skytvme.com call 968686466
We have been in business here for over 20 years and survived multiple recessions because we value our Customers and they, in return, value our care and attention to their needs. We provide all our customer with free telephone support 12 hours a day 7 days a week 0034 968686466  and give a full 12 month warranty with all of our Sky installations.
I've had Sky TV installed by another company but its no longer working and they are not returning my calls?

Unfortunately, this is something we hear more and more of these days. This usually comes down to two reasons, firstly being that this other company is no longer in business or the most common reason being that they had to change their number to avoid all the other customers that they leave in a similar situation, due to their inferior workmanship. Our engineers are very experienced at putting a bad job right.
Of course we are happy to help you to get your system up and running again but it's important to understand that we can not offer a warranty for equipment provided by another company. Our skilled satellite engineers will first test your equipment to ensure its working and then carry out the work necessary to resolve the issue.
 

Please note: Our engineers will not be able to liaise with your previous installers, on your behalf, but when needed, can usually find avenues to communicate with the suppliers of the equipment and cards used by them.

please be aware does your installer have a fixed line number if not ask your self why not

skytvme 0034 968686466 or mobile Ian 0034679874294   uk office 0161 870 6144

if you have lost your signal please call us even if we didnt instal your system we will be happy to help

In some fringe reception areas such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and other South European areas, you sometimes need to change the default transponder frequency setting from the original 11778 frequency to another frequency to help the box download from the satellite critical information it required to function. This is because in areas of weak reception frequency 11778 may not be available to help boot up a Sky digibox, and your Sky digibox will just be displaying the “No Satellite Signal Is Being received” error message.

However you can set the Sky digibox to use an alternate frequency to help the box download from the satellite critical information it required to function.

However, if in recent weeks, you have been using frequency 12.129 as the Default Transponder Frequency, then you may be experiencing problems when booting your Sky box up after disconnection from power or a power cut.

Currently there are no channels on frequency 12129 and so there is no programme information on that frequency that a Sky box can use to boot up.

Luckily there are many other frequencies that can be received, even on smaller satellite dishes, that carry the limited information that help a Sky box boot up.

As one of the easiest channels to receive around Europe is Sky News, then you can use the frequency for Sky News, 120207 V 27.5 2/3 as the default transponder frequency.

How to change to new default transponder frequency on a Sky Box
Sky Standard defintion boxes: Services, 4, 0, 1, select, 2, input frequency, save settings, sky button.

How to change to new default transponder frequency on a Sky HD Box
Sky High defintion boxes: Services, 0, 0, 1, right to txponder, input frequency, save settings, sky button.

Astra 2 Satellite Dish Alignment

Directions on aligning your dish to the Astra2 satellite

Location and Direction

The Astra2 satellite provides signals for receiving Sky Digital, BBC and ITV.

The position of the Astra2 satellite is: 28° east of south.

When siting your dish, be careful of any signal obstructions like trees or tall buildings. Using a compass will help you choose the best place to site your dish. Remember to take account of the angle of elevation.

The angle of the signal hitting your dish will vary depending of how far North-South you are geographically. In the UK this varies between 20° in the North to 30° in the South.

This table may help you with the horizontal rotation (azimuth) and vertical rotation (elevation) of your dish: Astra Alignment Table

 

Polarity Offset (Skew)

One other consideration is the skew adjustment or Polarity offset. This is perfomed by twisting the LNB slightly clockwise. For Astra 28.2 in the UK, the Polarity Offset is between 12° and 15°.

Dish Alignment

When aligning your dish, it is recommended that you use a meter. This is far more convenient than using the receiver's signal level indicator, since using the receiver may mean a lot of to-ing and fro-ing. Using a meter will also allow you to align your dish more accurately.

 

Confirming That You Have Aligned Your Dish Correctly to Astra2

Once you have aligned your dish your Digibox should display the following details in the Signal Test screen. If it does not, you have aligned your dish on the wrong satellite.

Go to the "signal test" screen on your Sky digibox menus by pressing services on your Sky remote then finding your way through the menus to "System Setup" > "Signal Test"

SIGNAL STRENGTH - Should be around half way or above
SIGNAL QUALITY - Should be around half way or above
LOCK INDICATOR - Should say OK
NETWORK ID - Should say 0002
TRANSPORT STREAM - Should say 07D4

 

 

 

Our Satellite Installations Engineers

Our Sky television/Electronic engineers are the most experienced on the Costa Del Sol. Having over 25 years experience in many industries.
Our goal in to focus on Quality Sky digital and Home Audio/Video/Security products and quality installations including a second to none pre sales and post sales service.

Our Satellite Television Equipment

We only provide official satellite systems that we can guarantee. We guarantee all products and installations for 12 months without question. 
Unlike some others who charge for a call out during the first 12 months.

You will not find a more professional installation company than skytvme.com  Communications.
Guaranteed!!!

Sky+ HD and Sky 3D

Sky+ HD and Sky 3D is the future of satellite and as well as offering Sonos multi room sound systems we are at the forefront of this technology in Spain.
Skytvme.com  Communications offer the best installations than any of our competitors and are the most respected Sky Digital satellite installation company in Southern Spain.

Call us for free advice and find out for your self!

SKY TV ME Communications covers following areas of Southern Spain

 

Sky tv Engineers in

 

Torrevieja Murcia Alicante Jumilla Hondon El pinos, 

 

 

 

Below are locations we have clients who have relied on our professionalism over the last 10 years:
  Alicante,Torrevieja,catral,almoradi benferri,fortuna,murcia,quesada,rojales,Alameda, Alcalá la real, Algarrobo, Algeciras, Algodonales, Alhama de granada, Alora, Alhaurin, Almuñeca, Antequera, Archidona, Ardales, Barbate, Benalmadena, Benaojan, Benamargosa, Benahavis, Bornos, Cabra, Cádiz, Campillos, Cartama, Casabermeja, Casares, Chiclana de la Frontera, Colmenar, Competa, Coin, Cordova, Cortes de la Frontera, Duquesa, Estepona, Fuengirola, Frigliana, Gaucin, Guaro, Granada, Gibraltar, Iznajar, Istan, Jaen, Jimena de la Frontera, La Línea de la Concepción, Lanjaron, Loja, Malaga, Velez - Malaga, Marbella, Manilva, Mollina, Morón de la Frontera, Monda, Motril, Nerja, Ojen, Olvera, Otivar, Otura, Padul, Periana, Pizzara, Pruna, Puerto de Santa María, Ronda, Rincón de la Victoria, Rota, Rute, Salobreña, Sevilla, Sotogrande, Teba, Tollox, Torremolinos, Torrox, Utrera, Villa Nueva, Zahara and many others.

 

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LA CORUNA
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BILBAO
LA MANGA
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SANTA PONSA
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LA PALMA
SANTANDER
BLANES
LA RIOJA
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA
BUITRAGO
LA SAVINA
SANTILLANA
BURGOS
LANZAROTE
SEGOVIA
CABRERA
LAS HURDES
SEVILLE
CACERES
LAS PALMAS
SIERRA NORTE
CADAQUES
LEON
SIGUENZA
CADIZ
L'ESCALA
SOLLER
CALA BONA
LLAFRANC
SORIA
CALA D'OR
LLORET DE MAR
SOTOGRANDE
CALA FIGUERA
LOGRONO
SUANCES
CALA MAJOR
LORCA
TARAMUNDI
CALA MILLOR
LOS CRISTIANOS
TARAZONA
CALA N'PORTER
LOS VALLES
TARRAGONA
CALA RATJADA
LUARCA
TAULL
CALA VINAS
LUGO
TEGUISE
CALPE
MADRID
TENERIFE
CANARY ISLANDS
MAGALUF
TEULADA
CANGAS DE ONIS
MAHON
TOLEDO
CANTABRIA
MAJORCA
TORDESILLAS
CARDONA
MALAGA
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MANZANARES EL REAL
TORREMOLINOS
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MAR MENOR
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MIJAS
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COSTA AZAHAR
MOLINA DE ARAGON
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BUITRAGO
LA SAVINA
SANTILLANA
BURGOS
LANZAROTE
SEGOVIA
CABRERA
LAS HURDES
SEVILLE
CACERES
LAS PALMAS
SIERRA NORTE
CADAQUES
LEON
SIGUENZA
CADIZ
L'ESCALA
SOLLER
CALA BONA
LLAFRANC
SORIA
CALA D'OR
LLORET DE MAR
SOTOGRANDE
CALA FIGUERA
LOGRONO
SUANCES
CALA MAJOR
LORCA
TARAMUNDI
CALA MILLOR
LOS CRISTIANOS
TARAZONA
CALA N'PORTER
LOS VALLES
TARRAGONA
CALA RATJADA
LUARCA
TAULL
CALA VINAS
LUGO
TEGUISE
CALPE
MADRID
TENERIFE
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MAGALUF
TEULADA
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TOLEDO
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info on Spain

The "autonomic process", that is, the process whereby the nationalities and regions would accede to autonomy was partially concluded in 1983 when 17 autonomous communities covering the entire Spanish territory were created. (It was finally completed with the creation of two autonomous cities in Northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla). All autonomous communities follow the provincial limits established in the 1833 territorial division of Spain, that is, no province has been partitioned between communities. Moreover, many communities roughly coincide with the pre-provincial historical regions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which in turn reflected to some extent some of the historical medieval kingdoms or administrative regions of the past.

On the other hand, some autonomous communities are new creations.[8][22] For example, autonomy was granted to Cantabria and La Rioja, both of which were historically part of Castile.[8][23] Despite the lack of historical base for both communities, and the fact that the Spanish government favored their integration in the larger Castile-León, the local population overwhelmingly supported the new entities.[24] In Cantabria, one of the leading intellectual figures in 19th century Spain, Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, had already rejected a Castilian identity for his region as far back as 1877, while he favored integration with its western neighbor, Asturias:
¡Y quién sabe si antes de mucho, enlazadas hasta oficialmente ambas provincias, rota la ilógica división que a los montañeses nos liga a Castilla, sin que seamos, ni nadie nos llame castellanos, podrá la extensa y riquísima zona cántabro-asturiana formar una entidad tan una y enérgica como la de Cataluña, luz y espejo hoy de todas las gentes ibéricas! [25]
The province of Madrid, was also separated from New Castile and constituted as an autonomous community, in a way in recognition of its status as the capital of the nation,[8] but also because it was originally excluded from the pre-autonomic agreements that created the community of Castile-La Mancha, to which it naturally belonged.[26] Some peripheral nationalists still complain that the creation of many regions was an attempt to break down their own ‘national unity’ by a sort of gerrymandering[8] thus softening the impact of the distinctiveness of their own nationalities.[8][22]

2006 demonstration led by Republican Left Party of Catalonia in favor of using the term "nation" to define Catalonia in its Statute of Autonomy
As competences were eventually transferred to all communities in roughly the same degree, some nationalists view that there is a vanishing practical distinction between "nationality" and "region", regardless of how the autonomous community defines itself, a dilution that is welcomed by some political parties at the national level.[5] In fact, other communities have chosen to be identified as "nationalities" besides the "historical three" (such as Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the Valencian Community). Also, most communities that do not enjoy fiscal autonomy — the "common regime communities"— typically tend to follow Catalonia's lead in their demands for more competences or self-government.[1] This has caused a movement for a further recognition of the distinctiveness of the "historical nationalities" as "nations"[5] resuscitating oftentimes the debate between "nationality" and "nation" or the concept of a "plurinational State". In the Basque Country in 2003, the regional government proposed a plan whereby the autonomous community would become a "free associated State" of Spain, which was later rejected by the Spanish Parliament. In 2006, the Catalan Parliament, in approving a new Statute of Autonomy, chose to define Catalonia, not as a "nationality" but explicitly as a "nation", by a large majority. Similar proposals were made in Andalusia. The Spanish Parliament, which has to eventually ratify all Statutes of Autonomy, removed the article that defined Catalonia as a "nation", but made a reference in the Preamble of the document to the "fact" that the Catalan Parliament had chosen to so define Catalonia, but that the constitution recognizes her "national reality" as a "nationality". Finally, the distinction of two chartered communities with fiscal autonomy has led to discontent in Catalonia, which demands the same privilege and transparency,[5] being one of the main net contributors of fiscal equalization to which only communities of common-regime are subject to — that is, it has a large fiscal deficit — whereas in Galicia and Andalusia, which are among the biggest net beneficiaries of such centrally managed funding, no such demand has been made.
The "nationalities" have also played a key role in national—"State-wide"—politics. In the few occasions where no major party has achieved absolute majority in the Congress of Deputies, there have been agreements with the so-called "nationalist" (i.e. "regionalist" or "peripheral nationalist") parties therein present. (It should be noted that in these occasions, no coalitions for government have been made, but rather a minority government is formed that receives support from the "nationalist" parties to approve the budget and other laws). This has led in some instances to further concessions to the peripheral nationalities.[27]
The new framework of "autonomies" has served in legitimizing the Spanish state even within the "nationalities",[8] more so in Catalonia and Galicia than in the Basque Country. (Legitimacy is still a question amongst some Basque nationalists; the Basque Country was the only community where the Spanish Constitution in 1978 was not approved by the majority of its constituents in the national referendum). In practical terms, the majority of the population has been satisfied with the framework of devolution since the restoration of democracy,[1][8] even if there are still aspirations for further recognition of the distinctiveness of the nationalities or for the expansion of their self-government.[8] In all three "historical nationalities", there is still a sizable minority,[28][29][30] more so in Catalonia than in the Basque Country and Galicia, expressing its voice in one way or another, that proposes for the establishment of a true federal State in Spain or advocate for their right to self-determination and independence.



The constitution aimed to devolve self-government to both nationalities and regions, if the latter so desired, which were to be constituted as autonomous communities, yet making an implicit distinction between the two groups in the level of competences that were to be devolved, and in the way they were to attain self-government — the three "historical nationalities" (Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country) were granted a simplified "fast-track" process, while the rest of the regions had to follow a specific set of requirements. Thus the process was purposely intended to be asymmetrical in nature.[5] The autonomous communities were to be formed from the existing provinces, a division of the centralizing regime of the early nineteenth century: an autonomous community could be created by a province or group of provinces with common historical, cultural and economical features.[20] Yet, the outcome was not predictable; the constitution created a process for devolution, but it differed from other legislations in two main aspects. First, it did not specify the name or number of the autonomous communities that would integrate the Spanish nation, and secondly, the process was voluntary in nature: the regions themselves had the option of choosing to attain self-government or not.[21] This unique process of territorial administration was called the "State of Autonomies". Though highly decentralized, this system is not a federation, in that there was still ambiguity with regards to the power attributed to the regions, even though they can still negotiate them with the central government.[8]

​
The autonomous communities of Spain​
While the constitution was still being drafted, there was a demonstration in Andalusia, which sought to be recognized as a "nationality" as well, and to be granted self-government also through a rapid process. This opened a phase that was dubbed in Spanish as "café para todos", "coffee for all", which meant that all regions would be "served the same" — that is, that all nationalities and regions would accede to self-government in roughly the same degree, even if at different paces.[14][15] Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia acceded to autonomy via the fast-track route established in the 151st article of the constitution, with all competences granted, because in the past they had approved a Statute by referendum and they had already established a pre-autonomic provisional government.[15] Andalusia was able to take this route after a referendum in 1980. The rest, had the opportunity to accede to autonomy via the slower route established by the 143rd article, with a lower level of competences during a provisional period of five years, after which there was to be a progressive transference of competences, that would roughly equalize all communities.[15] One particular exception was granted to both the Basque Country and Navarre in that their fueros or "medieval charters" that had granted them fiscal autonomy were restored. While Navarre, a Basque-speaking province, chose not to form part of the soon-to-be formed autonomous community of the Basque Country, it followed a different route of devolution, precisely because of the reinstitution of the medieval charters, and it is nominally known as a "chartered community", as opposed to an "autonomous community". (Both the Basque Country and Navarre are considered "communities of chartered regime", that is, with fiscal autonomy. They collect their own taxes and send a prearranged amount to the central government. The rest of the communities are considered to be of a "common regime"; currently they administer taxes only partially. The taxes collected from "common regime" communities are administered centrally and distributed amongst them all for fiscal equalization).​
[edit]Current state of affairs

The "autonomic process", that is, the process whereby the nationalities and regions would accede to autonomy was partially concluded in 1983 when 17 autonomous communities covering the entire Spanish territory were created. (It was finally completed with the creation of two autonomous cities in Northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla). All autonomous communities follow the provincial limits established in the 1833 territorial division of Spain, that is, no province has been partitioned between communities. Moreover, many communities roughly coincide with the pre-provincial historical regions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which in turn reflected to some extent some of the historical medieval kingdoms or administrative regions of the past.
On the other hand, some autonomous communities are new creations.[8][22] For example, autonomy was granted to Cantabria and La Rioja, both of which were historically part of Castile.[8][23] Despite the lack of historical base for both communities, and the fact that the Spanish government favored their integration in the larger Castile-León, the local population overwhelmingly supported the new entities.[24] In Cantabria, one of the leading intellectual figures in 19th century Spain, Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, had already rejected a Castilian identity for his region as far back as 1877, while he favored integration with its western neighbor, Asturias:
¡Y quién sabe si antes de mucho, enlazadas hasta oficialmente ambas provincias, rota la ilógica división que a los montañeses nos liga a Castilla, sin que seamos, ni nadie nos llame castellanos, podrá la extensa y riquísima zona cántabro-asturiana formar una entidad tan una y enérgica como la de Cataluña, luz y espejo hoy de todas las gentes ibéricas! [25]
The province of Madrid, was also separated from New Castile and constituted as an autonomous community, in a way in recognition of its status as the capital of the nation,[8] but also because it was originally excluded from the pre-autonomic agreements that created the community of Castile-La Mancha, to which it naturally belonged.[26] Some peripheral nationalists still complain that the creation of many regions was an attempt to break down their own ‘national unity’ by a sort of gerrymandering[8] thus softening the impact of the distinctiveness of their own nationalities.[8][22]

​
2006 demonstration led by Republican Left Party of Catalonia in favor of using the term "nation" to define Catalonia in its Statute of Autonomy​
As competences were eventually transferred to all communities in roughly the same degree, some nationalists view that there is a vanishing practical distinction between "nationality" and "region", regardless of how the autonomous community defines itself, a dilution that is welcomed by some political parties at the national level.[5] In fact, other communities have chosen to be identified as "nationalities" besides the "historical three" (such as Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the Valencian Community). Also, most communities that do not enjoy fiscal autonomy — the "common regime communities"— typically tend to follow Catalonia's lead in their demands for more competences or self-government.[1] This has caused a movement for a further recognition of the distinctiveness of the "historical nationalities" as "nations"[5] resuscitating oftentimes the debate between "nationality" and "nation" or the concept of a "plurinational State". In the Basque Country in 2003, the regional government proposed a plan whereby the autonomous community would become a "free associated State" of Spain, which was later rejected by the Spanish Parliament. In 2006, the Catalan Parliament, in approving a new Statute of Autonomy, chose to define Catalonia, not as a "nationality" but explicitly as a "nation", by a large majority. Similar proposals were made in Andalusia. The Spanish Parliament, which has to eventually ratify all Statutes of Autonomy, removed the article that defined Catalonia as a "nation", but made a reference in the Preamble of the document to the "fact" that the Catalan Parliament had chosen to so define Catalonia, but that the constitution recognizes her "national reality" as a "nationality". Finally, the distinction of two chartered communities with fiscal autonomy has led to discontent in Catalonia, which demands the same privilege and transparency,[5] being one of the main net contributors of fiscal equalization to which only communities of common-regime are subject to — that is, it has a large fiscal deficit — whereas in Galicia and Andalusia, which are among the biggest net beneficiaries of such centrally managed funding, no such demand has been made.​
The "nationalities" have also played a key role in national—"State-wide"—politics. In the few occasions where no major party has achieved absolute majority in the Congress of Deputies, there have been agreements with the so-called "nationalist" (i.e. "regionalist" or "peripheral nationalist") parties therein present. (It should be noted that in these occasions, no coalitions for government have been made, but rather a minority government is formed that receives support from the "nationalist" parties to approve the budget and other laws). This has led in some instances to further concessions to the peripheral nationalities.[27]​
The new framework of "autonomies" has served in legitimizing the Spanish state even within the "nationalities",[8] more so in Catalonia and Galicia than in the Basque Country. (Legitimacy is still a question amongst some Basque nationalists; the Basque Country was the only community where the Spanish Constitution in 1978 was not approved by the majority of its constituents in the national referendum). In practical terms, the majority of the population has been satisfied with the framework of devolution since the restoration of democracy,[1][8] even if there are still aspirations for further recognition of the distinctiveness of the nationalities or for the expansion of their self-government.[8] In all three "historical nationalities", there is still a sizable minority,[28][29][30] more so in Catalonia than in the Basque Country and Galicia, expressing its voice in one way or another, that proposes for the establishment of a true federal State in Spain or advocate for their right to self-determination and independence.​
The economic crisis in Spain that started in 2008, has produced different reactions in the different communities. On one hand, politicians in some communities that are not "nationalities", mostly governed by the centre-right Popular Party, are considering a return of some devolved powers back to the central government.[31] On the other hand, in Catalonia, the strenuous fiscal situation and the severe austerity measures enacted by the regional government have caused a large discomfort in the population, many of which view the "unfairness" of the large fiscal deficit as aggravating the situation.[32] This, in turn, has led many who are not necessarily separatist but who are enraged by the financial deficit to support secession.[33][34] In recent polls, support for independence has doubled from the mid-20% since the recession started to around 50% by September 2012,[35] even though support for independence drops to the mid-30% if more options are given, with an almost equal percentage opting for the establishment of a true federal system in Spain.[29] This surge in support for independence was evidenced during the celebration of the National Day of Catalonia on 11 September 2012, when about 600,000 - 2 million people marched on the streets of Barcelona rallying for independence; one of the largest demonstrations in Spanish history.[35][36][37]

The 2012 Catalan independence demonstration
Following the rally, the president of Catalonia, Artur Mas, in a previously scheduled meeting with the prime minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, requested and was denied on the basis of its purported unconstitutionality, a change in the taxation system in Catalonia that would have made it similar to that of the two communities of chartered regime.[38] The week after the meeting, Mas called for the dissolution of the Catalan Parliament and for early elections to be held on 25 November 2012. Before its dissolution, the Catalan parliament approved a bill calling for the next legislature to let Catalonia exercise its right of self-determination by holding a "referendum or consultation" during the next four years in which the people would decide on becoming a new independent and sovereign State. The parliamentary decision was approved by a large majority of deputies: 84 voted affirmative, 21 voted negative and 25 abstained.[39] The deputy prime minister of Spain, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, declared that the central government would exercise all "legal instruments" — current legislation requires the executive government or the Congress of Deputies to call for or sanction a binding referendum[40] — to block any such attempt.[41] The leaders of the opposition, both in the Catalan Parliament, as well as in the Cortes Generales, and both from the Socialist Party, do not support Catalan secession, but rather propose a change in the constitution that would create a true federal system in Spain, to "better reflect the singularities" of Catalonia and to modify the current taxation system.[42][43]

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