Catalonia celebrates declaration of independence from Spain

Tens of thousands of independence supporters massed near the Catalan parliament cheered with joy today after majority separatist lawmakers voted to declare independence from Spain and proclaim a republic.

Watching proceedings in parliament on two large screens, they clapped and shouted “independence” in Catalan before singing the regional hymn, many raising their fists.

Some celebrated by drinking Cava, a sparkling wine produced in Catalonia, and hugged each other.

“It has cost us so much to get here,” 38-year-old social worker Judith Rodriguez told AFP in the crowd, with tears in her eyes.

“I am very emotional about finally moving forward, to be able to build a republic, a new country, from scratch,” added Rodriguez, who wore a t-shirt with the slogan “fem pais” or “let’s build a country”.

The independence declaration is not recognised by Madrid, which soon after the parliamentary vote was given the go-ahead by Spain’s Senate to impose direct rule on Catalonia to stop its drive to separate from Spain.

For EU nothing changes. Spain remains our only interlocutor. I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force.

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) October 27, 2017

Rodriguez’s partner Jose Ligero, a 43-year-old property manager, said the international …read more