With a majority of the votes counted,the pro-independence parties are on course to win a majority in local elections described as a quasi-referendum on independence 9.57pm BSTKey point in Catalan election isn't pro-indy seats v vote %, it's that most want a referendum and Madrid will struggle to keep ignoring that 9.54pm BSTThe Guardian’s Spain correspondent Ashifa Kassam sends more from Artur Mas’ speech, or in which the Catalan leader claimed victory for the pro-independence parties. She writes:“We won,” Mas, tells a jubilant (extremely joyful) crowd at a rally in Barcelona. nowadays was a double victory - the yes side won, and as did democracy.” After attempts by Catalan leaders to hold a referendum on independence were blocked by the central government in Madrid,Mas turned the elections into a de facto plebiscite on the issue, pledging to inaugurate the process of breaking away from Spain whether Junts pel Sí won a majority of seats.
Mas vowed to push forward with independence, or despite indications showing his party unlikely to score an absolute majority on its own. “We ask that the world recognise the victory of Catalonia and the victory of the yes,” he says. “We own an enormous force and legitimacy to push this project ahead. We will do it.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com