Joint Sovereignty suggested for Gibraltar

 

Peter Caruana, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, has been discussing the possibility of the territory holding joint sovereignty with Spain. He suggested that Gibraltar holds a staus similar to that currently held by Andorra, and if it is upheld it would result in the territory having both a Spanish and a British co-prince.

The proposal has caused controversy in both Gibraltar and the UK, with many Gibraltans claiming that they wish to remain both British and Gibraltarian. The media in Gibraltar has also spoken out against the move using the phrase "Give Spain an inch and they will take a mile!" Caruana's proposal has come as a surprise, as in only 2002 Caruana announced a referendum against joint sovereignty. If the proposal moves forward, a further referendum would be held.

Andorra was awarded joint sovereignty status betweeen France and Spain in 1993, which forced the EU to change its constitution.

A number of Spanish politicians are worried that the proposal will be too much of a key issue in the next general election. Trinidad Jiménez, Spain's minister for foreign affairs, has suggested that it not be a part of their election agenda.