One of the dangers of decentralization and federalism is that it provides the framework for secession. Movements supporting decentralization or secession have grown in many once highly centralized states. In France, Corsicans have demanded and received greater autonomy; Scotland and Wales gained separate assemblies to deal with local matters; Basque nationalists seek independence from Spain; the Italian Northern League calls for secession of Lombardy; rebels in Mexico's Chiapas state threaten secession; East Timor breaks with Indonesia; Tibetan calls for self-rule continue; Chechens seek independence from Russia and so on. But the trend is by no means one way. In 2000, Russia’s Vladimir Putin imposed strong central controls over republic governments in the cause of national unity and the struggle against corruption and organized crime. As a result, in several countries, the central governments are reasserting their powers.