Catalan parties fail to elect new regional president

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Catalan separatist parties have to try again to elect a new regional president after they failed to do so on the first ballot on Thursday.

There were four abstentions from the far-left CUP party in what was effectively a vote of confidence in former Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull, the lone candidate.

He obtained 64 votes in favor and 65 against, prolonging the political deadlock in the wealthy Spanish region.

Catalan regional deputy Jordi Turull speaks during a regional parliament session in Barcelona, March 22, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

The vote triggers a two-month deadline for Catalonia to install a new regional government before fresh Catalan elections must be held.

Under parliamentary regulations, a second round of parliamentary voting must now take place within two days.

Turull is not even guaranteed a win in a second round scheduled for Saturday, where he would require a simple majority from the 135-seat Catalan parliament to be elected.

As if this wasn't enough, it's uncertain whether the former Catalan government spokesman will even be able to attend the second session as he has been summoned before a Supreme Court judge on Friday along with five other separatist leaders.

Catalan regional deputy Jordi Turull speaks during a regional parliament session in Barcelona March 22, 2018. /VCG Photo

The judge is due to notify them of the charges brought against them for their role in the Catalan independence drive, and may even remand some of them in custody pending a trial.

Source(s): AFP