Tribble Agency
Tribble Agency


Spain's PM vows to defend unity

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said that he would block any independence initiatives.

It also says the process would not be subject to decisions made by the Spanish institutions, including the Constitutional Court. He added that the state would not shy away from using "all political and judicial mechanisms in defence of the common good and the sovereignty of Spain as laid down in the constitution".

Catalonia's two pro-independence parties Tuesday declared the opening stages in creating an independent republic. Backers of the measures allege they anticipate full independence within 18 months.

But while they topped the poll the pro-independence camp failed to win a majority of all votes cast-a fact emphasised by the central government in Madrid, which has fiercely resisted their push for independence.

Catalonia, a northeast region of 7.5 million people, is responsible for almost a fifth of Spain's economic output and residents have long prided themselves on their separate language and culture.

Rajoy has faced criticisms from within his own party that he has not done enough to counter the Catalan separatist movement.

Spain's prime minister said Wednesday he would hold talks with opposition leaders in a bid to craft a unified response to a Catalan separatist drive.

The PP has enjoyed an absolute majority in the national parliament since 2011 but polls show it has since lost ground, especially to the new centre-right party Ciudadanos, which has taken a tough line on Catalan separatism.

Tuesday's proposal registered at the regional parliament in Barcelona said the election give the Catalan government a "democratic mandate" to go forward with plans for independence.

The Junts pel Si ("Together for Yes") and Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) hope that the nine point resolution will be adopted in early November, according to El Pais.

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