‘ Yes’ to independence
> 90% of Catalan voters back secession from Spain
BARCELONA: Catalonia’s leader Carles Puigdemont said on Sunday the region had won the right to break away from Spain after 90% of voters taking part in a banned referendum voted for independence, defying a sometimes violent police crackdown and fierce opposition from Madrid.
His declaration appeared to set the restive region on course for a deeper split with the Spanish government, after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy reiterated his government’s position that the vote was an illegal act, to which the state had reacted “with firmness and serenity”.
Justice minister Rafael Catala said Spain will do “everything within the law” to prevent Catalonia from declaring independence. Any attempt to unilaterally declare independence is almost certain to be opposed not just by Madrid but also by a large section of the Catalan population which is deeply split on the issue.
The regional government said 2.26 million people actually took part in Sunday’s referendum, or 42.3% of the electorate.
Puigdemont has said that in the event of a “yes” victory he would declare independence for Catalonia, which accounts for 19% of Spain’s economic output.
At least 92 people were confirmed injured out of a total of 844 who needed medical attention, Catalan authorities said.
Further adding to tensions, unions and Catalan associations called a region-wide strike today due to “the grave violation of rights and freedoms”, urging people to take to the streets.
Policemen with batons moved in en masse on Sunday to seal off polling stations and seize ballot boxes, sparking clashes.
Videos posted on social media showed police dragging voters from polling stations by their hair, throwing people down stairs and attacking Catalan firefighters protecting polling stations.
The interior ministry said 33 policemen required treatment. – AFP