28.09.2015 - 12:46
Separatists have won a clear majority of seats in Catalonia’s parliament, preliminary official results showed, in an election that set the region on a collision course with Spain’s central government over independence.
“The Yes has won, but democracy has also won. And that is very important. Two victories in one. The Yes and democracy,” acting Catalan regional government head Artur Mas told supporters, with secessionist parties on track to secure 72 out of 135 seats in the powerful region of 7.5 million people that includes Barcelona.
The strong pro-independence showing dealt a blow to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, three months before a national election. His center-right government, which has opposed attempts to hold a referendum on secession, has called the separatist plan “a nonsense” and vowed to block it in court.
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia
