Catalan parliament declares independence

The Catalan parliament on Friday afternoon declared the region's independence from Spain.

Catalan parliament declares independence

The Catalan parliament on Friday afternoon declared the region's independence from Spain.

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The Catalan parliament voted to launch a constitutional separation process from Spain with 70 votes in favor, 10 against and 2 invalid - according to the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.

This was preceded by a debate that lasted for several hours, that heard sharp divisions on the issue of independence.

The citizens who gathered in front of the parliament building welcomed the decision with ovations.

The Spanish Senate should on Friday vote on invoking Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows the central government to take control over the competences of Catalonia, the daily El Pais reported. This was, however, scheduled before the Catalan parliament voted.

According to this, the People's Party of Prime Minister Marian Rajoy has a majority, so his proposal for the activation of this article of the Constitution is expected to be accepted.