In Spain, around 3,000 protesters gathered in Barcelona to support an organization that seeks the creation of a Catalan state independent and urged regional lawmakers to reach an agreement to form a transitional government.
The Catalan National Assembly, with about 30,000 fee-paying members, called Sunday’s rally to lobby 10 lawmakers from the far-left CUP group and 62 parliamentarians from the “Together for Yes” alliance to set aside differences and break a logjam that is paralyzing progress toward an independent Catalonia.
“We ask all 72 lawmakers from Together for Yes and CUP to be responsible, courageous and firm, and to show a willingness for dialogue to reach the best possible agreement for the formation of a strong and united government,” said CNA president Jordi Sanchez.
The parliament of Catalonia has until Jan. 10 to elect a leader and form a government or it must call a new election. Sanchez asked the lawmakers to try and reach a deal by Nov. 27.
With 72 seats, pro-secessionists would hold the majority in the 135-seat regional parliament, although they only secured 48 percent of the popular vote in September elections.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The Catalans have been struggling for independence from Spain for over 200 years. I hope they finally get it.
I was thinking this story was going to be about an American gathering.