The local government of Catalonia in Spain claims that in the region's independence referendum, which Madrid declared illegal, over 40 percent of eligible voters participated, and 90 percent of them called for separation from Spain. The referendum took place despite Madrid's declaration of its illegality, and in the hours leading up to it, police shut down dozens of polling stations to prevent its execution. However, the events on Sunday were not limited to the closure of polling stations, as hundreds were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters. This has prompted the local Catalan government to warn that it will take the events to 'international courts.' In the early hours of October 1st, a spokesperson for the Catalan government announced that 2.26 million people participated in the referendum. Given that the number of eligible voters is estimated to be over 5.3 million, this figure indicates a 42 percent turnout. Carlos Puigdemont, the head of the local government, stated in a televised speech that 'on this day of hope and sorrow, the citizens of Catalonia have earned the right to independence to form a republic.' Puigdemont mentioned that 'in the coming days, my government will send the results of the voting to the parliament... to act according to the law of the referendum.' The central government of Spain claims the referendum is unconstitutional, a law passed after the death of Franco, the last dictator of the country, in 1987. Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, emphasized on Sunday evening that the referendum is illegal and added that, from his perspective, no voting for independence has taken place in the region. Rajoy stated without providing details that a large majority of the residents in northeastern Spain do not want separation. Local Catalan officials reported that at least 840 people required 'medical care' during the clashes and violence in the past hours. However, it remains unclear how many were seriously injured or hospitalized for treatment. The Spanish police announced that 33 of their officers were injured during the events.
Catalonia's Local Government Claims '90 Percent' Voted for Independence
Catalonia's local government claims that 90 percent of voters in an independence referendum called for separation from Spain, despite the Spanish government's declaration of the vote as illegal. The referendum saw significant participation and resulted in clashes that left hundreds injured, prompting Catalonia to consider taking the matter to international courts. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between regional autonomy movements and the central government in Spain.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Catalonia's local government claims 90% voted for independence from Spain amid police violence.
- Catalonia's local government announce Spain
- Spanish police crackdown Catalan voters
- Catalan citizens protest Spanish government
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Catalan independence referendum highlights significant political tensions within Spain.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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