Friday, September 11, 2015

Catalans to hold mass rally for independence from Spain


First entry: 11 September 2015 - 15:09 Athens, 12:09 GMT
Last update: 15:09 Athens, 12:09 GMTWorld
Catalans to hold mass rally for independence from Spain
Nearly half a million Catalans have registered to take part in a street rally in Barcelona later to show support for independence from Spain.
A separatist coalition of parties is leading the polls ahead of Catalonia's regional elections this month.
The Together For Yes campaign says if it wins a majority in the regional assembly it will push through plans for an independent Catalan state.
The Spanish government has promised to block any move to break away.
Madrid said an unofficial Catalan referendum last November was invalid.
The poll saw 80% of voters back independence but turnout was 40%.
The Together for Yes group kicked off its campaign late on Thursday night ahead of the mass rally on Friday.
The coalition comprises political groups from both the left and right, who have come together in the face of continued Madrid government opposition to a referendum.
The rally is taking place on La Diada, when Catalans celebrate their national day.
BBC

No comments: