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Catalonia Declares Independence From Spain

IN PICTURES: Catalan citizens flood the area outside of Parliament celebrating their self-declared independence.

After a tense full parliament session and several weeks of suspense, the Catalan regional government has voted to break from Spain, with 70 votes in favor, 10 against and two abstentions. 

The Spanish Senate swiftly responded to Catalonia's self-declared independence by voting to apply Article 155 of the country's Constitution with 214 in favor, 47 against and one abstention. The constitutional article gives the Spanish government heavy reach to take direct control over Catalonia's government institutions and "restore order." 

During her address to Parliament, Marta Rovira of JxSi, said "I’m suffering political persecution for what i think. Remember we are here to complete the Oct. 1 mandate and protect the basic rights of democracy. The sovereignty is for the (Catalan) people and it always was.”

Following the announcement of Catalonia's independence, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for "tranquility among all Spaniards." He added that the government "will restore legality in Catalonia."

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People wave Esteladas (Catalan separatist flags) during celebrations in Sant Jaume square after the Catalan regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona.
People wave Esteladas (Catalan separatist flags) during celebrations in Sant Jaume square after the Catalan regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona. Photo:Reuters
A man drinks from a wineskin as people gather in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona.
A man drinks from a wineskin as people gather in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona. Photo:Reuters
People celebrate in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona.
People celebrate in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona. Photo:Reuters
A man displays a scarf featuring an Estelada (Catalan separatist flag) design, as he reacts at Sant Jaume Square after the Catalan regional parliament declares independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain October 27, 2017.
A man displays a scarf featuring an Estelada (Catalan separatist flag) design, as he reacts at Sant Jaume Square after the Catalan regional parliament declares independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain October 27, 2017. Photo:Reuters
People celebrate in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017.
People celebrate in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017. Photo:Reuters
People celebrate after the Catalan regional parliament declares the independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017.
People celebrate after the Catalan regional parliament declares the independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017. Photo:Reuters
Published 27 October 2017
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