If I remember correctly, this started because the opposition party at the moment (PP) appeal at the constitutional court the "estatut".
If you ask me, I think that was a political (dirty) movement to gain some votes. But the point here is that since some Catalans didn't like the court resolution, they started this "blackmail": "either you accept the estatut or we will secede". We are now at the threat of secession.
Note that the quoted texts are not literal phrases said by anyone, it is just to clarify my point.
You asked one example, here is one. There are many other examples of laws passed in the Spanish congress with the support of Catalan parties in exchange of political favors.
If you ask me, I think that was a political (dirty) movement to gain some votes. But the point here is that since some Catalans didn't like the court resolution, they started this "blackmail": "either you accept the estatut or we will secede". We are now at the threat of secession.
Note that the quoted texts are not literal phrases said by anyone, it is just to clarify my point.
You asked one example, here is one. There are many other examples of laws passed in the Spanish congress with the support of Catalan parties in exchange of political favors.