Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power.&nbsp;

The vote came six years after Puigdemont led a botched 2017 independence bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.&nbsp;

Led by Salvador Illa, Spain's health minister during the pandemic, the Catalan Socialist party won 42 of the regional parliament's 135 seats -- nine more than in the previous election in 2021.&nbsp;

Hailing the result as "historic" in a posting on X, Sanchez said it would mark the start of "a new era in Catalonia".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-madrids-tryst-with-womens-rights-pretoria-avoids-risking-war-with-moscow-618679">The Capitals: Madrid's tryst with women's rights, Pretoria avoids 'risking war' with Moscow</a>

"A new era for all Catalans, whatever they think," said Illa as his supporters cheered his victory.&nbsp;

It was a major victory for Sanchez, who had wanted to show that his policy of defusing tensions triggered by the Catalan crisis had worked, ultimately reducing pro-independence sentiment in this wealthy northeastern region of eight million people.&nbsp;

And it gives him some much-needed breathing space after a difficult start to his latest term in office which began in November and has been soured by right-wing opposition and a graft probe into his wife that almost caused him to resign.

Also watch |&nbsp;Catalonia elections: Catalonia polls to impact on Spain's politics

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Since becoming premier in 2018 in the months following the failed separatist bid, Sanchez has sought to "heal the wounds" caused by the unprecedented political crisis&nbsp;

In 2021, he pardoned the separatists jailed over the secession bid and is currently advancing an amnesty bill for those still wanted by the justice system in exchange for key separatist backing that let him secure a new term in office.

<h2>No more separatist majority</h2>

In gaining more than 200,000 votes, the Socialists managed to deprive the pro-independence parties of the majority they needed to stay in power in a region they have ruled for the past decade.&nbsp;

Final results showed Puigdemont's hardline JxCat, the moderate ERC of outgoing Catalan leader Pere Aragones and the smaller hard-left CUP secured 59 seats, compared with 74 last time.&nbsp;

Even if they were to count the two seats won by the new ultranationalist Catalan Alliance, they would still be well short of the 68 seats required to rule.&nbsp;

JxCat won 35 seats, slightly higher than last time, while ERC fell sharply to 20, down 13, and CUP won just four, down from nine.&nbsp;

Puigdemont, 61, fled Spain to avoid prosecution following the botched secession bid and has lived in self-imposed exile ever since, running his campaign from southern France.&nbsp;

Although he will be allowed back when the amnesty bill becomes law, he had hoped a strong showing in Sunday's vote would have seen him re-elected leader, paving the way for a triumphant return.&nbsp;

He pledged to retire from politics if he failed to win.&nbsp;

<h2>Alliance building</h2>

Despite his victory, Illa is still a long way from the 68 seats required to rule and must now seek out the necessary backing to be sworn in as regional leader.&nbsp;

Although the Socialists also won most votes in 2021, Illa was unable to cobble together a majority while the separatists managed to piece together a 74-seat coalition.

Analysts say the most likely option would see the Socialists allying with the radical left Comuns Sumar, which won six seats, and ERC, which won 20.

Together they could count exactly 68 seats.&nbsp;

The vote also saw a breakthrough by the right-wing opposition Popular Party which won 15 seats up from three in the previous election, while the far-right Vox held onto its 11 mandates.&nbsp;

Both parties are vehemently opposed to the pro-independence movement and have fought tooth and nail against Sanchez's amnesty bill which will become law within weeks, allowing Puigdemont to return home.&nbsp;

Voter Ainhoa Matos, 31, expressed hope the election would give a greater voice to non-separatist Catalans.&nbsp;

"People like me who are not pro-independence have not had enough of a voice or representation, so I hope that can change," she told AFP.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power. The vote came six years after Puigdemont led a botched 2017 independence bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. Led by Salvador Illa, Spain's health minister during the pandemic, the Catalan Socialist party won 42 of the regional parliament's 135 seats -- nine more than in the previous election in 2021. Hailing the result as "historic" in a posting on X, Sanchez said it would mark the start of "a new era in Catalonia". Also read | The Capitals: Madrid's tryst with women's rights, Pretoria avoids 'risking war' with Moscow "A new era for all Catalans, whatever they think," said Illa as his supporters cheered his victory. It was a major victory for Sanchez, who had wanted to show that his policy of defusing tensions triggered by the Catalan crisis had worked, ultimately reducing pro-independence sentiment in this wealthy northeastern region of eight million people. And it gives him some much-needed breathing space after a difficult start to his latest term in office which began in November and has been soured by right-wing opposition and a graft probe into his wife that almost caused him to resign. Also watch | Catalonia elections: Catalonia polls to impact on Spain's politics × Since becoming premier in 2018 in the months following the failed separatist bid, Sanchez has sought to "heal the wounds" caused by the unprecedented political crisis In 2021, he pardoned the separatists jailed over the secession bid and is currently advancing an amnesty bill for those still wanted by the justice system in exchange for key separatist backing that let him secure a new term in office. No more separatist majority In gaining more than 200,000 votes, the Socialists managed to deprive the pro-independence parties of the majority they needed to stay in power in a region they have ruled for the past decade. Final results showed Puigdemont's hardline JxCat, the moderate ERC of outgoing Catalan leader Pere Aragones and the smaller hard-left CUP secured 59 seats, compared with 74 last time. Even if they were to count the two seats won by the new ultranationalist Catalan Alliance, they would still be well short of the 68 seats required to rule. JxCat won 35 seats, slightly higher than last time, while ERC fell sharply to 20, down 13, and CUP won just four, down from nine. Puigdemont, 61, fled Spain to avoid prosecution following the botched secession bid and has lived in self-imposed exile ever since, running his campaign from southern France. Although he will be allowed back when the amnesty bill becomes law, he had hoped a strong showing in Sunday's vote would have seen him re-elected leader, paving the way for a triumphant return. He pledged to retire from politics if he failed to win. Alliance building Despite his victory, Illa is still a long way from the 68 seats required to rule and must now seek out the necessary backing to be sworn in as regional leader. Although the Socialists also won most votes in 2021, Illa was unable to cobble together a majority while the separatists managed to piece together a 74-seat coalition. Analysts say the most likely option would see the Socialists allying with the radical left Comuns Sumar, which won six seats, and ERC, which won 20. Together they could count exactly 68 seats. The vote also saw a breakthrough by the right-wing opposition Popular Party which won 15 seats up from three in the previous election, while the far-right Vox held onto its 11 mandates. Both parties are vehemently opposed to the pro-independence movement and have fought tooth and nail against Sanchez's amnesty bill which will become law within weeks, allowing Puigdemont to return home. Voter Ainhoa Matos, 31, expressed hope the election would give a greater voice to non-separatist Catalans. "People like me who are not pro-independence have not had enough of a voice or representation, so I hope that can change," she told AFP.

Separatists lose Catalan majority as Spain Socialists surge

Catalan voters headed to the polls on Sunday for an election that will test the strength of the Spanish region`s pro-independence movement, but in an era dominated by the coronavirus crisis rather than separatist sentiment.

A steady trickle of mask-wearing voters turned up at polling stations that were replete with pandemic precautions: Temperatures taken on arrival, election workers in protective suits or visors, separate entrances and exits, hand gel on tap and floor markings to ensure social distancing.

Whether the election is won by the separatist parties now in power in Catalonia or the Socialists who lead Spain`s central government, it is unlikely to lead to any repeat of the chaotic, short-lived declaration of independence in late 2017.

But it will still be an important signal of the separatists` appeal and could affect the political trajectory of the pro-independence movement for years to come.

Opinion polls have pointed to a low physical turnout, with voters worried about the risk of contagion at polling stations.

"I have some fear and concern but it is a civic duty and so I come to vote but I don`t think it`s appropriate during COVID to call these elections," said pensioner Jose Antonio Martinez, queuing to vote outside the Sant Antoni market in Barcelona.

Close to 300,000 people have requested to vote by mail, a fraction of the 5.5 million potential voters but still a 350% rise from those who requested mail ballots in 2017.

Recent opinion polls have shown the Socialists - who oppose independence but favour dialogue - slightly ahead, although they would need support from other parties to form the first anti-independence regional government in nine years.

If separatists manage to retain control, a new independence declaration appears very unlikely, as the movement is divided between moderate and confrontational approaches and its top leaders are jailed or fled Spain after the 2017 events.

Polling stations began opening at 9 a.m. and Catalan authorities confirmed 100% of polling stations had opened without problem by around 11 a.m.

"At this time there are very few people. I`m healthy and I don`t live with anyone who is high risk," said Lali Olle, a 51-year-old psychologist who turned up in person to cast her ballot for centre-right separatist party Junts."

People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will vote during a specific time slot later on Sunday.

Catalan voters headed to the polls on Sunday for an election that will test the strength of the Spanish region`s pro-independence movement, but in an era dominated by the coronavirus crisis rather than separatist sentiment.

Catalan voters headed to the polls on Sunday for an election that will test the strength of the Spanish region`s pro-independence movement, but in an era dominated by the coronavirus crisis rather than separatist sentiment. A steady trickle of mask-wearing voters turned up at polling stations that were replete with pandemic precautions: Temperatures taken on arrival, election workers in protective suits or visors, separate entrances and exits, hand gel on tap and floor markings to ensure social distancing. Whether the election is won by the separatist parties now in power in Catalonia or the Socialists who lead Spain`s central government, it is unlikely to lead to any repeat of the chaotic, short-lived declaration of independence in late 2017. But it will still be an important signal of the separatists` appeal and could affect the political trajectory of the pro-independence movement for years to come. Opinion polls have pointed to a low physical turnout, with voters worried about the risk of contagion at polling stations. "I have some fear and concern but it is a civic duty and so I come to vote but I don`t think it`s appropriate during COVID to call these elections," said pensioner Jose Antonio Martinez, queuing to vote outside the Sant Antoni market in Barcelona. Close to 300,000 people have requested to vote by mail, a fraction of the 5.5 million potential voters but still a 350% rise from those who requested mail ballots in 2017. Recent opinion polls have shown the Socialists - who oppose independence but favour dialogue - slightly ahead, although they would need support from other parties to form the first anti-independence regional government in nine years. If separatists manage to retain control, a new independence declaration appears very unlikely, as the movement is divided between moderate and confrontational approaches and its top leaders are jailed or fled Spain after the 2017 events. Polling stations began opening at 9 a.m. and Catalan authorities confirmed 100% of polling stations had opened without problem by around 11 a.m. "At this time there are very few people. I`m healthy and I don`t live with anyone who is high risk," said Lali Olle, a 51-year-old psychologist who turned up in person to cast her ballot for centre-right separatist party Junts." People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will vote during a specific time slot later on Sunday.

Masked and nervous Catalans vote in election that will gauge separatist strength

Twelve Catalan secessionist leaders go on trial in Spain's Supreme Court on Tuesday, charged for their role in a failed independence bid 16 months ago that deeply divided the country and triggered the biggest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clamor-for-fresh-elections-in-spain-as-catalan-crisis-trundles-on-196712">political crisis </a>in decades.

Hundreds of police, including from anti-terrorism units, have been deployed around the Supreme Court building in central Madrid.

The defendants, f<a href="ww.wionews.com/world/meet-the-lawyers-who-will-defend-catalan-separatists-in-spains-supreme-court-195992">acing charges of rebellion </a>and misuse of public funds, will not speak in court on the first day of the trial, which is reserved for procedural issues. Nine of the defendants have been jailed without bail since late 2017 and early 2018.

The attempt to declare Catalonia's independence in October 2017 followed a referendum that had been carried out in defiance of a judicial ban and angered much of the rest of Spain. There was a shock at home and abroad when police used batons and rubber bullets on protesters on the day of the vote.

Supporters of the defendants say they are political prisoners and that the trial itself is political.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/madrid-demonstrators-reject-governments-catalonia-policy-196493">"The world is looking at Madrid</a> ... what they want is not to judge but to condemn on political reasons," Olivier Peter, a lawyer for one of the accused, told reporters on Monday.

The government rejects this, saying the defendants have broken the law and judges are handling the case without political interference, in line with the rule of law.

Secessionists have called on Catalans to briefly stop work at midday on Tuesday in protest against the trial and to join a rally in Barcelona in the evening. Another big demonstration is planned for Saturday and a general strike on February 21.

The political right organised a mass protest on Sunday in Madrid against any concessions by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Catalan pro-independence parties.

The centre-right party Ciudadanos has called another rally next Sunday in Barcelona "in defence of the Constitution".

The pro-independence head of the Catalan regional government, Quim Torra, who will attend the opening session of the trial, called for the acquittal of the defendants.

The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years.

The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists, a human rights group of judges and lawyers, said the case risked restricting rights and could set a precedent.

"Vague, broadly defined offences of sedition or rebellion risk violation of the principle of legality, as well as an arbitrary and disproportionate interference with human rights," it said.

The trail starts as Sanchez's minority government faces a vote on the 2019 budget on Wednesday for which it needs the support of Catalan parties. They have so far vowed to block the bill, citing Sanchez's refusal to discuss independence, despite his efforts to ease tensions with the Catalans through talks.

Failure to approve the budget is likely to prompt a snap parliamentary election this year.

Twelve Catalan secessionist leaders go on trial in Spain's Supreme Court on Tuesday, charged for their role in a failed independence bid 16 months ago that deeply divided the country and triggered the biggest political crisis in decades.

Twelve Catalan secessionist leaders go on trial in Spain's Supreme Court on Tuesday, charged for their role in a failed independence bid 16 months ago that deeply divided the country and triggered the biggest political crisis in decades. Hundreds of police, including from anti-terrorism units, have been deployed around the Supreme Court building in central Madrid. The defendants, facing charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds, will not speak in court on the first day of the trial, which is reserved for procedural issues. Nine of the defendants have been jailed without bail since late 2017 and early 2018. The attempt to declare Catalonia's independence in October 2017 followed a referendum that had been carried out in defiance of a judicial ban and angered much of the rest of Spain. There was a shock at home and abroad when police used batons and rubber bullets on protesters on the day of the vote. Supporters of the defendants say they are political prisoners and that the trial itself is political. "The world is looking at Madrid ... what they want is not to judge but to condemn on political reasons," Olivier Peter, a lawyer for one of the accused, told reporters on Monday. The government rejects this, saying the defendants have broken the law and judges are handling the case without political interference, in line with the rule of law. Secessionists have called on Catalans to briefly stop work at midday on Tuesday in protest against the trial and to join a rally in Barcelona in the evening. Another big demonstration is planned for Saturday and a general strike on February 21. The political right organised a mass protest on Sunday in Madrid against any concessions by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Catalan pro-independence parties. The centre-right party Ciudadanos has called another rally next Sunday in Barcelona "in defence of the Constitution". The pro-independence head of the Catalan regional government, Quim Torra, who will attend the opening session of the trial, called for the acquittal of the defendants. The public prosecutor is seeking prison terms of up to 25 years. The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists, a human rights group of judges and lawyers, said the case risked restricting rights and could set a precedent. "Vague, broadly defined offences of sedition or rebellion risk violation of the principle of legality, as well as an arbitrary and disproportionate interference with human rights," it said. The trail starts as Sanchez's minority government faces a vote on the 2019 budget on Wednesday for which it needs the support of Catalan parties. They have so far vowed to block the bill, citing Sanchez's refusal to discuss independence, despite his efforts to ease tensions with the Catalans through talks. Failure to approve the budget is likely to prompt a snap parliamentary election this year.

Tensions high as Spain starts trial of Catalan separatists

Catalans voted Thursday in a crucial election that could mark a turning point for their region, just two months after a failed secession bid triggered Spain&#39;s worst political crisis in decades.

Record turnout is expected in a vote pitting leaders of the wealthy northeastern region&#39;s separatist movement against parties that want to remain in Spain.

Will voters again hand victory to pro-independence parties that tried to break Catalonia from Spain, one of whose candidates is in jail and the other in self-imposed exile in Belgium?

Or will they lose the absolute parliamentary majority of 72 seats they won in 2015?

Catalans on both sides of the divide saw the day as a potential moment of truth for their region, following weeks of upheaval and protests unseen since democracy was reinstated following the death in 1975 of dictator Franco.

While the independence question is far from new, it was the referendum on October 1 -- and a heavy police crackdown on voters -- that focused the world&#39;s attention on the region.

Some 5.5 million people are registered to vote in Thursday&#39;s election which is likely to see seven parties winning mandates in the 135-seat regional parliament.

Even before polling stations opened in Barcelona, people had formed long queues to cast their ballots.

In the seaside town of Calafell, Joan Rafael Nunez Margalet, a 56-year-old fisherman, was among the first to vote.

&quot;We had to vote today, we couldn&#39;t have stayed home,&quot; he said, adding that he was voting for the pro-unity camp.

What next for separatists?

The vote is widely seen as a plebiscite on the independence question in Catalonia, whose autonomy Spain stripped in an unprecedented move after a failed independence declaration on October 27.

Crucially, however, even if the pro-independence camp wins, it is not expected to attempt another breakaway from Spain but rather try to enter into negotiations with Madrid.

In the staunchly pro-independence town of Vic, the sun shone feebly on a small line of voters waiting in the freezing cold outside a day centre for the elderly, their polling station.

One man wore a yellow ribbon -- a symbol used by separatists demanding their leaders be freed from detention.&nbsp;

Posters advocating independence were plastered all over the nearby walls, one of which had a picture of someone&#39;s hands tied behind their back, which read: &quot;Help Catalonia&quot;.

Short-lived secession bid

Following the controversial October referendum, which went ahead despite a ban by Madrid, the crisis came to a head later that month when the regional parliament declared unilateral independence.&nbsp;

The move infuriated the Spanish government but also rattled a Europe still reeling from Britain&#39;s decision to leave.

The secession bid was short-lived, though, as Madrid sacked Catalonia&#39;s government, dissolved its parliament and called snap elections.

Axed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium, avoiding detention on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the independence drive.

He has since campaigned virtually, holding rallies via video link.

&quot;Today we will show, once again, the strength of an indomitable people,&quot; Puigdemont tweeted Thursday.

His deputy Oriol Junqueras remained in Spain and was jailed along with others pending an investigation into the same charges.

Opinion polls suggest Junqueras&#39;s leftist ERC party could win, and independence supporters, in general, are rallying to the cause.

&quot;I hope we continue with the (independence) process,&quot; 40-year-old Anna Papiol said in Calafell as she voted for the separatists.&nbsp;

&quot;I want Europe to realise what the people want,&quot; she said, after separatist leaders failed to secure the support from the EU that they had sought.

Over on the other side, the centrist, anti-independence Ciudadanos party is close to ERC according to polls and some suggest it could win under Ines Arrimadas, a charismatic 36-year-old.

&quot;We have a date with history, these elections will be remembered,&quot; she told a cheering crowd in Barcelona to close the campaign Tuesday.

Negotiations likely

At stake is the economy of a region that has seen its tourism sector suffer and more than 3,000 companies moved their legal headquarters since the referendum.

But whatever the result, voters and analysts predict no single party will win a decisive majority, which will force negotiations to form a government.

Both camps consist of three parties that may struggle to join forces -- Puigdemont&#39;s Together for Catalonia list, ERC and the far-left CUP party for independence, and Ciudadanos, the Socialists and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy&#39;s Popular Party against it.

In between is the leftist Catalunya en Comu-Podem grouping, which is against independence but supports holding a legal referendum and could play the role of kingmaker.

&quot;Protracted and messy government formation negotiations are likely,&quot; predicted Antonio Barroso, deputy research director for Teneo Intelligence.

In an election expected to be very close, Spanish daily El Pais said the final result may be in the hands of &quot;a million undecided voters&quot;.

According to Catalan daily La Vanguardia, &quot;independence (parties) only need to win 45 percent of the votes in order to preserve their majority&quot;.

Some 5.5 million people are registered to vote in Thursday's election

Catalans voted Thursday in a crucial election that could mark a turning point for their region, just two months after a failed secession bid triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. Record turnout is expected in a vote pitting leaders of the wealthy northeastern region's separatist movement against parties that want to remain in Spain. Will voters again hand victory to pro-independence parties that tried to break Catalonia from Spain, one of whose candidates is in jail and the other in self-imposed exile in Belgium? Or will they lose the absolute parliamentary majority of 72 seats they won in 2015? Catalans on both sides of the divide saw the day as a potential moment of truth for their region, following weeks of upheaval and protests unseen since democracy was reinstated following the death in 1975 of dictator Franco. While the independence question is far from new, it was the referendum on October 1 -- and a heavy police crackdown on voters -- that focused the world's attention on the region. Some 5.5 million people are registered to vote in Thursday's election which is likely to see seven parties winning mandates in the 135-seat regional parliament. Even before polling stations opened in Barcelona, people had formed long queues to cast their ballots. In the seaside town of Calafell, Joan Rafael Nunez Margalet, a 56-year-old fisherman, was among the first to vote. "We had to vote today, we couldn't have stayed home," he said, adding that he was voting for the pro-unity camp. What next for separatists? The vote is widely seen as a plebiscite on the independence question in Catalonia, whose autonomy Spain stripped in an unprecedented move after a failed independence declaration on October 27. Crucially, however, even if the pro-independence camp wins, it is not expected to attempt another breakaway from Spain but rather try to enter into negotiations with Madrid. In the staunchly pro-independence town of Vic, the sun shone feebly on a small line of voters waiting in the freezing cold outside a day centre for the elderly, their polling station. One man wore a yellow ribbon -- a symbol used by separatists demanding their leaders be freed from detention. Posters advocating independence were plastered all over the nearby walls, one of which had a picture of someone's hands tied behind their back, which read: "Help Catalonia". Short-lived secession bid Following the controversial October referendum, which went ahead despite a ban by Madrid, the crisis came to a head later that month when the regional parliament declared unilateral independence. The move infuriated the Spanish government but also rattled a Europe still reeling from Britain's decision to leave. The secession bid was short-lived, though, as Madrid sacked Catalonia's government, dissolved its parliament and called snap elections. Axed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium, avoiding detention on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the independence drive. He has since campaigned virtually, holding rallies via video link. "Today we will show, once again, the strength of an indomitable people," Puigdemont tweeted Thursday. His deputy Oriol Junqueras remained in Spain and was jailed along with others pending an investigation into the same charges. Opinion polls suggest Junqueras's leftist ERC party could win, and independence supporters, in general, are rallying to the cause. "I hope we continue with the (independence) process," 40-year-old Anna Papiol said in Calafell as she voted for the separatists. "I want Europe to realise what the people want," she said, after separatist leaders failed to secure the support from the EU that they had sought. Over on the other side, the centrist, anti-independence Ciudadanos party is close to ERC according to polls and some suggest it could win under Ines Arrimadas, a charismatic 36-year-old. "We have a date with history, these elections will be remembered," she told a cheering crowd in Barcelona to close the campaign Tuesday. Negotiations likely At stake is the economy of a region that has seen its tourism sector suffer and more than 3,000 companies moved their legal headquarters since the referendum. But whatever the result, voters and analysts predict no single party will win a decisive majority, which will force negotiations to form a government. Both camps consist of three parties that may struggle to join forces -- Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia list, ERC and the far-left CUP party for independence, and Ciudadanos, the Socialists and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party against it. In between is the leftist Catalunya en Comu-Podem grouping, which is against independence but supports holding a legal referendum and could play the role of kingmaker. "Protracted and messy government formation negotiations are likely," predicted Antonio Barroso, deputy research director for Teneo Intelligence. In an election expected to be very close, Spanish daily El Pais said the final result may be in the hands of "a million undecided voters". According to Catalan daily La Vanguardia, "independence (parties) only need to win 45 percent of the votes in order to preserve their majority".

Catalans vote in bid to solve independence crisis