Catalonian Separatists Claim Victory In Regional Vote

Reuters: Victorious Catalan separatists claim mandate to break with Spain

Separatists on Sunday won a clear majority of seats in Catalonia's parliament in an election that sets the region on a collision course with Spain's central government over independence.

"Catalans have voted yes to independence," acting regional government head Artur Mas told supporters, with secessionist parties securing 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.

More News On Catalan Separatists Claiming Victory In Regional Elections

Catalonian Secessionists Win Landmark Victory in Spain -- AP
Catalan Separatists Win Narrow Majority in Regional Elections -- NYT
Catalan Separatism Refuses to Die as Mas Claims Mandate With 48% -- Bloomberg
Catalonia vote: Pro-independence parties win elections -- BBC
Catalonia election: Separatists claim victory in regional vote; results show pro-independence win -- ABC News (Australia)
Catalonia separatists claim victory in regional polls -- Al Jazeera
Catalonia elections set separatists on collision course -- CNN
7 takeaways from the Catalonia election -- Politico