Pro-Independence Parties Retain Majority in Catalan Snap Election

FEATURING MAGALI MURIA – The pro-Independence movement in Catalonia has a new lease on life with the results of a snap election called by Spain. After Catalonians voted for independence from Spain in a referendum in October, the Spanish government, headed by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy assumed direct control of Catalonia and arrested or drove into exile a number of prominent pro-independence leaders. Spain also called for regional elections in December banking on a favorable political outcome.

But pro-independence parties won a slim majority in the elections, leaving Rajoy and the Spanish government in an awkward position. What does this mean for Catalonia’s relationship with Spain and for the future of the Catalan independence movement?

Magali Muria, Southern California Coordinator of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC, Assamblea Nacional Catalana).