Catalonia referendum results: 90% voted FOR independence
Juan Teixeira / Redux / eyevine Catalans voted to leave Spain with 90% of the vote
Just 7.83% of voters opted to remain part of Spain in Sunday’s poll. Regional government sources have claimed Catalonia will declare its independence from Spain as early as Monday. With the overwhelming pro-independence result confirmed, pro-independence politicians in the Catalan parliament are planning a debate and vote on the matter as their first order of business for next week. The official declaration of independence is expected to follow shortly after.
Juan Teixeira / Redux / eyevine Pro-independence protesters in Barcelona
ABACA / PA Images Catalonia pro-independence protests
Catalonia’s regional government leader Carles Puigdemont says he already feels like the “president of a free country” after the controversial poll. He told German newspaper Bild: “I already feel as president of a free country where millions of people have made an important decision.” The independence referendum was marred by a violent police response as officers attempted to shut down polling stations. The Spanish government claims the referendum is illegal and should not have taken place, as Catalan officials failed to follow constitutional processes when the vote was called.
But the authorities’ handling of the referendum has been heavily condemned after images of violent police clashes emerged. Dr Ramon Pardo, a senior lecturer in international relations at King’s College London, told Express.co.uk: “I think the most important question is how is [Puigdemont] going to word the declaration [of independence]. “That is probably going to be more crucial than the declaration itself.
Catalan referendum: Brutality of Catalonia's referendum vote Tue, October 3, 2017 Scenes at the Catalan independence referendum Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 17 People clash with Spanish Guardia Civil