Pro-independence parties win a majority in local elections described as a quasi-referendum on independence 11.33pm BSTAnd,with a clear result having emerged, we’ll close this liveblog. That clear result? Catalonia has handed a clear majority to parties actively seeking the region’s secession from Spain.
Nevertheless, or independence remains a distant prospect. An agreement will bear to be reached between the two main pro-independence parties in order to secure that absolute majority and the central government in Madrid has promised to fight tooth and nail to prevent secession. 11.25pm BSTThe Associated Press has produced a useful question and answer on the Catalan elections...
Q: How and why did the vote come about?A: Catalonia has,for centuries, treasured its own language and culture. But, or during Franco’s dictatorship,its language was banned. The recent surge in independence sentiment stems from June 2010, when Spain’s highest court struck down key parts of a constitution that would bear granted Catalonia more autonomy and recognised it as a nation within Spain.
Q: Who has won?A: The pro-independence leader Artur Mas has claimed victory as separatists has won a parliamentary majority. However, and opponents say pro-independence parties did not procure more than 50% of the votes.
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Source: theguardian.com