Spain; Separatists Win in Catalonia Parliamentary Elections

Initial results from the parliamentary elections in the Catalonia region of Spain indicate that separatists have gained a majority of seats. According to these results, the main separatist party, 'Junts per Catalunya' (Together for Catalonia), is expected to secure between 63 and 66 seats out of 135 in the parliament. Additionally, 11 to 13 seats will go to the smaller leftist party, 'CUP'. As a result, supporters of separation from Spain will jointly obtain just over 48% of the votes. Voter turnout in the elections is still unclear, but reports suggest a high participation rate. Of the 7.5 million population of Catalonia, 5.5 million were eligible to vote. This province is located in northeastern Spain, with the coastal city of Barcelona as its capital. Catalonia is one of the wealthiest regions in Spain and is also one of its most important tourist centers. These two separatist parties had previously stated that winning the parliamentary elections would allow them to unilaterally declare independence within 18 months. The center-right government of Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, has opposed any form of independence referendum for Catalonia, calling such a plan 'meaningless' and stating that he would refer the matter to court. Declaring independence for the autonomous region of Catalonia contradicts the Spanish Constitution. According to Reuters, it is unlikely that Catalonia will achieve independence, but the results of this election are a blow to Rajoy's government, especially three months before the general elections in the country.