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15:10, 07-Sep-2017
Catalan parliament has cleared way for independence vote
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Lawmakers in Spain's Catalonia region on Wednesday passed a controversial bill that clears the way for an Oct. 1 secession vote despite fierce resistance from the political opposition and central authorities.
The votes of 72 pro-independence lawmakers were enough to pass the so-called "referendum bill" after more than 11 hours of debate that ended with 52 opposition members of parliament walking out in protest.
The cabinet that makes up the executive branch of Catalonia's government later unanimously endorsed a decree calling for an Oct. 1 "binding self-determination referendum" on the region's independence from Spain.
Catalan regional President Carles Puigdemont was the last official to sign the document late Wednesday. The decree authorizes the formation of an electoral board to make preparations for the vote.
The referendum clashes with the Spanish Constitution, which only gives national authorities the right to call such vote. But the bill approved by the Catalan parliament meant to provide a legal justification for the independence vote.
It was reported that Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has urged the country's State Council to review the bill.
Madrid is expected to challenge the law by lodging an appeal with the country's Constitutional Court.
Source(s): AP