The separatists have opened up a significant gap between themselves and pro-unity parties. Second place “Citizens” are on course for 25 seats while Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s Popular Party is trailing with 11.
But crucially, after a record turnout of more than 77%, the pro-independence groupings failed to secure more than half of total votes, a threshold opponents claim is necessary to legitimise the independence drive.
Rajoy responded to the vote by retweeting a message from his party vowing to ensure Spain remains united. He points out that his country’s constitution makes Catalan independence illegal.
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