Catalonia Has Won ‘Right To An Independent State’, Says Leader

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said Sunday the northeastern Spanish region he governs had “won the right to an independent state” after “millions” turned out to … Continue reading Catalonia Has Won ‘Right To An Independent State’, Says Leader

By Simon

Updated October 1, 2017

Students gather at the historical headquarters of the University of Barcelona during a pro-referedum demonstration on September 22, 2017 in Barcelona. Spain’s conservative government has dealt a serious blow to Catalonia’s plans to hold an independence referendum but it faces growing indignation in the region, which is closing ranks on Madrid. LLUIS GENE / AFP

Students gather at the historical headquarters of the University of Barcelona during a pro-referendum demonstration on September 22, 2017, in Barcelona. LLUIS GENE / AFP

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said Sunday the northeastern Spanish region he governs had “won the right to an independent state” after “millions” turned out to vote in a banned independence referendum.

“With this day of hope and suffering, the citizens of Catalonia have won the right to an independent state in the form a republic,” he said in a televised announcement.