57 minutes ago From the section Europe
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| Catalan separatist flags known as Esteladas could be seen at the march in Barcelona,REUTERS |
More than half a million people have
rallied in Barcelona on a day of demonstrations by Catalan nationalists
wishing to break with Spain.
Police say 540,000 people turned out
in the capital of Catalonia, a region in north-east Spain, while four
other Catalan towns also held demonstrations. Regional president Carles Puigdemont had urged support for "converting Catalonia into an independent state".
Spain has consistently blocked attempts to hold a referendum on secession.
- Catalonia's push for independence from Spain
- A town split between Catalonia and Spain
- Catalonia profile
Divisions have also emerged between the separatist movement's main political grouping in the
Catalan parliament, the Together for Yes coalition, and its radical leftwing ally, the CUP.
Mr Puigdemont, who took power in January, faces a confidence vote on 28 September.
He advocates a negotiated withdrawal from Spain but has hinted that Catalonia might declare independence unilaterally if necessary.
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| AFP
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| AFP
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When Catalan nationalists held an unofficial referendum on independence in November 2014, 80% of those who voted backed independence.
Sunday is the "Diada", Catalonia's national day which commemorates the moment in 1714 when Barcelona fell during the War of the Spanish Succession, an event that marked its history.
"We have to move towards the final outcome," 58-year-old office clerk Xavier Borras, who planned to attend the rally in Barcelona with a friend, told AFP news agency.
"We can't wait any longer."
Sunday is the "Diada", Catalonia's national day which commemorates the moment in 1714 when Barcelona fell during the War of the Spanish Succession, an event that marked its history.
"We have to move towards the final outcome," 58-year-old office clerk Xavier Borras, who planned to attend the rally in Barcelona with a friend, told AFP news agency.
"We can't wait any longer."
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| AFP
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| AFP
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Spain's leading parties, deadlocked in their efforts to form a new
government after two inconclusive general elections since December, have
shown little sympathy for Catalan grievances.
The region of 7.5 million people makes up 16% of Spain's population and accounts for almost 19% of national GDP.
The region of 7.5 million people makes up 16% of Spain's population and accounts for almost 19% of national GDP.
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