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Catalonia secessionist parties declare victory in regional elections – live Catalonia secessionist parties declare victory in regional elections – as it happened
(about 3 hours later)
I’m going to wrap this live blog up now. Here’s a summary of the evening’s developments:I’m going to wrap this live blog up now. Here’s a summary of the evening’s developments:
Catalonia’s three pro-independence parties, JuntxCat, ERC and CUP, have declared victory after winning an absolute majority of 70 seats in the 135-seat parliament, dealing a severe blow to the Spanish government.Catalonia’s three pro-independence parties, JuntxCat, ERC and CUP, have declared victory after winning an absolute majority of 70 seats in the 135-seat parliament, dealing a severe blow to the Spanish government.
A record 80%-plus of Catalan voters cast their ballots in the snap election triggered by prime minister Mariano Rajoy when Madrid took control of the region in October after its illegal referendum and unilateral declaration of independence.A record 80%-plus of Catalan voters cast their ballots in the snap election triggered by prime minister Mariano Rajoy when Madrid took control of the region in October after its illegal referendum and unilateral declaration of independence.
The unionist Citizens finished as the largest single party in parliament, but its 36 seats were not enough to form a majority government with other parties in favour of Catalonia remaining a part of Spain.The unionist Citizens finished as the largest single party in parliament, but its 36 seats were not enough to form a majority government with other parties in favour of Catalonia remaining a part of Spain.
Rajoy’s centre-right People’s party lost nearly three-quarters of its seats, collapsing from 11 to just four.Rajoy’s centre-right People’s party lost nearly three-quarters of its seats, collapsing from 11 to just four.
Pro-independence politicians including Carles Puigdemont, the ousted regional president currently evading arrest in Brussels, lined up to say the vote represented a popular repudiation of article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which allowed Madrid to take direct control of the region.Pro-independence politicians including Carles Puigdemont, the ousted regional president currently evading arrest in Brussels, lined up to say the vote represented a popular repudiation of article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which allowed Madrid to take direct control of the region.
The pro-independence parties did not, however, win the popular vote, failing once again to secure a share of more than 50%.The pro-independence parties did not, however, win the popular vote, failing once again to secure a share of more than 50%.
The winning parties will now try to form a coalition, although it is unclear how easy that will be: there are tensions between JuntsxCat and the ERC, and the CUP’s insistence on unilateral independence could make relations with Madrid even trickier. Just restoring self-government and seeking the release of imprisoned leaders may absorb much of the movement’s energy.The winning parties will now try to form a coalition, although it is unclear how easy that will be: there are tensions between JuntsxCat and the ERC, and the CUP’s insistence on unilateral independence could make relations with Madrid even trickier. Just restoring self-government and seeking the release of imprisoned leaders may absorb much of the movement’s energy.
The ousted Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, is speaking now in Brussels, where he is evading a Spanish arrest warrant:The ousted Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont, is speaking now in Brussels, where he is evading a Spanish arrest warrant:
I want to congratulate the Catalan people, because they have sent a message to the world. The Catalan republic has beaten the monarchy and article 155. The Spanish state has been beaten. Mr Rajoy and his allies have lost. They were seeking to legitimise article 155, but they have been beaten.I want to congratulate the Catalan people, because they have sent a message to the world. The Catalan republic has beaten the monarchy and article 155. The Spanish state has been beaten. Mr Rajoy and his allies have lost. They were seeking to legitimise article 155, but they have been beaten.
Now we need to restore democracy, restore our legitimate government, our freedoms. We need to free all those people who are still in prison, but should not be. The prescription that Mr Rajoy throught would work has failed.Now we need to restore democracy, restore our legitimate government, our freedoms. We need to free all those people who are still in prison, but should not be. The prescription that Mr Rajoy throught would work has failed.
Things are even more positive for the pro-independence parties today, because today we have one more seat. We will have more freedom in parliament than we had before. As the legitimate president of Catalonia, I say: Mr Rajoy’s prescription is not working.Things are even more positive for the pro-independence parties today, because today we have one more seat. We will have more freedom in parliament than we had before. As the legitimate president of Catalonia, I say: Mr Rajoy’s prescription is not working.
If he keeps applying the same formula he will keep failing. He needs to change. We have to find solutions. It is time not just for Mr Rajoy but for many other people to realise this.If he keeps applying the same formula he will keep failing. He needs to change. We have to find solutions. It is time not just for Mr Rajoy but for many other people to realise this.
Inés Arrimadas, the leader of the victorious pro-union Citizens party, has told supporters gathered at the Hotel Catalonia that “for the first time a unionist party has the elections in Catalonia, and it is Citizens.”Inés Arrimadas, the leader of the victorious pro-union Citizens party, has told supporters gathered at the Hotel Catalonia that “for the first time a unionist party has the elections in Catalonia, and it is Citizens.”
Arrimadas said the pro-independence parties “can no longer speak on behalf of everyone” and a majority of Catalan voters are clearly “in favour of union with Spain”.Arrimadas said the pro-independence parties “can no longer speak on behalf of everyone” and a majority of Catalan voters are clearly “in favour of union with Spain”.
Referring to the fact that secessionists have a majority in parliament but did not win the popular vote, she added that an “unfair” electoral law had given “more seats to those who have fewer votes in the street”.Referring to the fact that secessionists have a majority in parliament but did not win the popular vote, she added that an “unfair” electoral law had given “more seats to those who have fewer votes in the street”.
Marta Rovira of the pro-independence ERC has also said that the republic “has beaten article 155”,. She called on Mariano Rajoy to withdraw the controversial constitutional measure, release the imprisoned pro-independence politicians and sit down at the negotiating table.Marta Rovira of the pro-independence ERC has also said that the republic “has beaten article 155”,. She called on Mariano Rajoy to withdraw the controversial constitutional measure, release the imprisoned pro-independence politicians and sit down at the negotiating table.
Citizens have voted for the republic! We want to congratulate Citizens for their performance, and JuntsxCat for being the first pro-independence party. Now we have to reopen Parliament and respect the democratic mandate.Citizens have voted for the republic! We want to congratulate Citizens for their performance, and JuntsxCat for being the first pro-independence party. Now we have to reopen Parliament and respect the democratic mandate.
Primeras declaraciones de Marta Rovira: "La República ha ganado al 155".https://t.co/addfM2URS8 #EleccionesCataluña pic.twitter.com/RV7OQ82zAzPrimeras declaraciones de Marta Rovira: "La República ha ganado al 155".https://t.co/addfM2URS8 #EleccionesCataluña pic.twitter.com/RV7OQ82zAz
Another JuntsxCat politician, Eduard Pujol, declares that article 155 – which allowed Madrid to take control of Catalonia – is now “dead and buried. The polls have buried it.”Another JuntsxCat politician, Eduard Pujol, declares that article 155 – which allowed Madrid to take control of Catalonia – is now “dead and buried. The polls have buried it.”
Eduard Pujol, de Junts Per Catalunya: "El 155 ha quedado muerto y enterrado, las urnas lo han enterrado" https://t.co/HviBVENMRx https://t.co/VfU8Gggq58Eduard Pujol, de Junts Per Catalunya: "El 155 ha quedado muerto y enterrado, las urnas lo han enterrado" https://t.co/HviBVENMRx https://t.co/VfU8Gggq58
Celebrations are underway at pro-independence party JuntsxCat, which finished the day as the Catalan parliament’s second largest party on 34 seats and is now in a position to try to put together a governing coalition.Celebrations are underway at pro-independence party JuntsxCat, which finished the day as the Catalan parliament’s second largest party on 34 seats and is now in a position to try to put together a governing coalition.
“The victory of the independence movement is the victory of all – JuntsxCat, ERC and the CUP,” said the party’s Elsa Artadi.“The victory of the independence movement is the victory of all – JuntsxCat, ERC and the CUP,” said the party’s Elsa Artadi.
"La victoria del independentismo es la victoria de todos, Junts Per Catalunya, ERC y la CUP", dice Elsa Artadi de JuntsXCatalunya https://t.co/HviBVENMRx #EleccionesCataluna pic.twitter.com/YvMo0nN6d7"La victoria del independentismo es la victoria de todos, Junts Per Catalunya, ERC y la CUP", dice Elsa Artadi de JuntsXCatalunya https://t.co/HviBVENMRx #EleccionesCataluna pic.twitter.com/YvMo0nN6d7
Despite the Citizens party winning the election in terms of seats and vote share, unionist forces managed a total of just 57 seats in the Catalan parliament, compared to 70 for the combined pro-independence parties.Despite the Citizens party winning the election in terms of seats and vote share, unionist forces managed a total of just 57 seats in the Catalan parliament, compared to 70 for the combined pro-independence parties.
In a major setback to Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, the shortfall reflected the dire performance of his centre-right People’s party, which collapsed from 11 seats in 2015 to just four.In a major setback to Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, the shortfall reflected the dire performance of his centre-right People’s party, which collapsed from 11 seats in 2015 to just four.
The socialist PSC party was more successful, gaining one seat and ending on 16.The socialist PSC party was more successful, gaining one seat and ending on 16.
My colleague Sam Jones has filed the first take of his story on the election results with more than 90% of votes now counted:My colleague Sam Jones has filed the first take of his story on the election results with more than 90% of votes now counted:
Catalan pro-independence parties look set to hold on to their absolute majority in Thursday’s snap regional elections, dealing a severe blow to the Spanish government, which called the polls in the hope of heading off the secessionist threat.Catalan pro-independence parties look set to hold on to their absolute majority in Thursday’s snap regional elections, dealing a severe blow to the Spanish government, which called the polls in the hope of heading off the secessionist threat.
With 90% of the votes counted, the three separatist parties are on course to win 70 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament even though the centre-right Citizens party appears to be the single party with the most seats.With 90% of the votes counted, the three separatist parties are on course to win 70 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament even though the centre-right Citizens party appears to be the single party with the most seats.
Together for Catalonia, the party led by deposed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, is expected to take 34 seats, the Catalan Republican Left 32 and the far-left, anti-capitalist Popular Unity Candidacy four. Between them, they will have enough seats to reassemble the parliamentary majority that put them into office after the 2015 elections.Together for Catalonia, the party led by deposed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, is expected to take 34 seats, the Catalan Republican Left 32 and the far-left, anti-capitalist Popular Unity Candidacy four. Between them, they will have enough seats to reassemble the parliamentary majority that put them into office after the 2015 elections.
The Citizens party, which has taken a fiercely anti-independence stance, is on track to win 36 seats, the Catalan socialist party 17, Catalunya en Comú-Podem (the Catalan version of the anti-austerity Podemos party) eight and the conservative People’s party four.The Citizens party, which has taken a fiercely anti-independence stance, is on track to win 36 seats, the Catalan socialist party 17, Catalunya en Comú-Podem (the Catalan version of the anti-austerity Podemos party) eight and the conservative People’s party four.
Thursday’s snap election was called in October by the Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, after he used article 155 of the constitution to take control of Catalonia and sack its government over its unilateral independence referendum and subsequent declaration of independence.Thursday’s snap election was called in October by the Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, after he used article 155 of the constitution to take control of Catalonia and sack its government over its unilateral independence referendum and subsequent declaration of independence.
The vote, which has pitted secessionists against unionists, attracted a record turnout of 80%, dispelling fears that holding the election on a weekday rather than the usual Sunday would hit turnout appeared to have been unfounded.The vote, which has pitted secessionists against unionists, attracted a record turnout of 80%, dispelling fears that holding the election on a weekday rather than the usual Sunday would hit turnout appeared to have been unfounded.
You can read Sam’s full story here.You can read Sam’s full story here.
An aide to Carles Puigdemont, the deposed regional president currently dodging arrest in Brussels, sent a Whatsapp message to journalists shortly after 10.30pm Spanish time.An aide to Carles Puigdemont, the deposed regional president currently dodging arrest in Brussels, sent a Whatsapp message to journalists shortly after 10.30pm Spanish time.
It read simply:It read simply:
As you see, we are the comeback kids.As you see, we are the comeback kids.
With just over 90% of votes counted in Catalonia’s snap general election, the three pro-independence parties appear to have won a narrow two-seat majority.With just over 90% of votes counted in Catalonia’s snap general election, the three pro-independence parties appear to have won a narrow two-seat majority.
If they succeed in negotiating a coalition agreement – by no means guaranteed – JuntsxCat, ERC and CUP would have a combined total of 7o seats in the 135-seat parliament.If they succeed in negotiating a coalition agreement – by no means guaranteed – JuntsxCat, ERC and CUP would have a combined total of 7o seats in the 135-seat parliament.
The provisional breakdown is as follows:The provisional breakdown is as follows:
1. Citizens - 36 seats1. Citizens - 36 seats
2. JuntsxCat - 34 seats2. JuntsxCat - 34 seats
3. ERC - 32 seats3. ERC - 32 seats
4. PSC - 17 seats4. PSC - 17 seats
5. Catalunya in Comú-Podem - 8 seats5. Catalunya in Comú-Podem - 8 seats
6. CUP - 4 seats6. CUP - 4 seats
7. PP - 4 seats7. PP - 4 seats
A record turnout of more than 80%, five percentage points up on the previous 2015 poll, appears not to have produced the result many predicted – namely a swing towards Catalonia’s unionist parties who want the regions to stay part of Spain:A record turnout of more than 80%, five percentage points up on the previous 2015 poll, appears not to have produced the result many predicted – namely a swing towards Catalonia’s unionist parties who want the regions to stay part of Spain:
La participación en las presentes elecciones ha superado el 80%, mientras que en 2015 fue del 75% https://t.co/C8QUatCTJQLa participación en las presentes elecciones ha superado el 80%, mientras que en 2015 fue del 75% https://t.co/C8QUatCTJQ
The Guardian’s Stephen Burgen points to one remarkable possibility if the current partial result – with around 75% of votes counted – is confirmed:The Guardian’s Stephen Burgen points to one remarkable possibility if the current partial result – with around 75% of votes counted – is confirmed:
There is a real possibility that the deposed president Carles Puigdemont could be invested as the new president, but the moment he sets foot on Spanish soil he will be arrested on the charges that led him to flee to Brussels - rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.There is a real possibility that the deposed president Carles Puigdemont could be invested as the new president, but the moment he sets foot on Spanish soil he will be arrested on the charges that led him to flee to Brussels - rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.
However, pundits claim that there are precedents for him to remain in Belgium and be the president but without executive powers. This has been a bizarre election and it appears there’s more weirdness to come.However, pundits claim that there are precedents for him to remain in Belgium and be the president but without executive powers. This has been a bizarre election and it appears there’s more weirdness to come.
With nearly 75% of votes counted, the unionist Citizens party is still on course to win the election, but Catalonia’s three main pro-independence parties seem headed for a narrow parliamentary majority of two or three seats - but less tan 50% of the total vote:With nearly 75% of votes counted, the unionist Citizens party is still on course to win the election, but Catalonia’s three main pro-independence parties seem headed for a narrow parliamentary majority of two or three seats - but less tan 50% of the total vote:
73.7% votes counted: unionist Ciutadans is still leading (35 out of 135 seats), but parties for a #Catalan state would keep the majority in the chamber with 70 seats (with 47.4% of votes). Majority is at 68 #21D ➡️https://t.co/xh8hFJW9Mk. pic.twitter.com/7qk53T9cL373.7% votes counted: unionist Ciutadans is still leading (35 out of 135 seats), but parties for a #Catalan state would keep the majority in the chamber with 70 seats (with 47.4% of votes). Majority is at 68 #21D ➡️https://t.co/xh8hFJW9Mk. pic.twitter.com/7qk53T9cL3
With events now appearing to spin away from Mariano Rajoy, here’s a prophetic Sam Jones profile of the prime minister, Spain’s “safe pair of hands” who decided to risk it all on Catalonia:With events now appearing to spin away from Mariano Rajoy, here’s a prophetic Sam Jones profile of the prime minister, Spain’s “safe pair of hands” who decided to risk it all on Catalonia:
Spain’s national unity has not faced a threat of this magnitude since it returned to democracy following Franco’s death and what happens over the next few months will determine not only Rajoy’s political future but also his legacy.Spain’s national unity has not faced a threat of this magnitude since it returned to democracy following Franco’s death and what happens over the next few months will determine not only Rajoy’s political future but also his legacy.
He has become the first Spanish prime minister to reach for the so-called nuclear option of the country’s 1978 constitution, which permits the central government to take control of an autonomous region if it “does not fulfil the obligations imposed upon it by the constitution or other laws or acts in a way that is seriously prejudicial to the general interest of Spain”.He has become the first Spanish prime minister to reach for the so-called nuclear option of the country’s 1978 constitution, which permits the central government to take control of an autonomous region if it “does not fulfil the obligations imposed upon it by the constitution or other laws or acts in a way that is seriously prejudicial to the general interest of Spain”.
Rajoy, a 62-year-old political veteran, has been Spain’s prime minister for six long and difficult years. In that time, Spain has slowly retreated from the brink of economic catastrophe, witnessed the death of four decades of two-party hegemony, squirmed over a whack-a-mole succession of corruption scandals and spent 10 months deadlocked and government-less.Rajoy, a 62-year-old political veteran, has been Spain’s prime minister for six long and difficult years. In that time, Spain has slowly retreated from the brink of economic catastrophe, witnessed the death of four decades of two-party hegemony, squirmed over a whack-a-mole succession of corruption scandals and spent 10 months deadlocked and government-less.
The question now is just how effective Rajoy’s Catalan gamble will be and whether its success or failure will eclipse his economic achievements.The question now is just how effective Rajoy’s Catalan gamble will be and whether its success or failure will eclipse his economic achievements.
Worth noting, though, that as things stand the three pro-independence parties JuntsxCat, ERC and CUP may be heading for a clear – if slim – majority in parliament, but they do not have 50% of the popular vote.Worth noting, though, that as things stand the three pro-independence parties JuntsxCat, ERC and CUP may be heading for a clear – if slim – majority in parliament, but they do not have 50% of the popular vote.
This will not be the absolute mandate they were hoping for.This will not be the absolute mandate they were hoping for.
This graphic of where things are with 50% of votes counted courtesy of the Guardian’s Seàn Clarke:This graphic of where things are with 50% of votes counted courtesy of the Guardian’s Seàn Clarke:
The consensus among observers, commentators and journalists appears to be building, and it’s not looking pretty for Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid. Has his decision to call this snap Catalan election backfired?The consensus among observers, commentators and journalists appears to be building, and it’s not looking pretty for Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid. Has his decision to call this snap Catalan election backfired?
With over 50 pct of Catalan vote counted, pro-independence parties have absolute majority.This makes uncomfortable viewing for PM Rajoy.With over 50 pct of Catalan vote counted, pro-independence parties have absolute majority.This makes uncomfortable viewing for PM Rajoy.