Catalonia Lawmakers Vote To Approve A Secession Process From Spain

Wall Street Journal: Catalonia Lawmakers Approve Resolution for Secession Process From Spain

Vote sets up likely test of wills between wealthy region and Spanish institutions

MADRID—Catalonia’s parliament approved a resolution Monday to take steps to establish an independent republic, vowing it would begin ignoring Spanish institutions and setting up a potential standoff with the government in Madrid.

The proposal to commence a “democratic disconnection” passed by a vote of 72 to 63, after a two-hour debate. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who has said the separatist push represents Spain’s major challenge ahead of Dec. 20 national elections, pledged Monday to use all of the authority of his office to halt the secession bid.

“I understand the anxiety that many Catalans can feel, but to all of them I say you can rest easy,” Mr. Rajoy said. “Catalonia isn’t separating from anywhere, nor will there be any rupture.”

Mr. Rajoy said his government would petition the Constitutional Court this week to have the resolution declared void.

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