Separatists, who sponsored the referendum in Catalonia, Spain’s wealthiest region, won it by a large margin. But many of the 7.5 million residents there oppose independence and abstained after the Spanish Supreme Court deemed the vote unconstitutional. In response, Spain’s prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, dissolved the regional government, effectively ousting Mr. Puigdemont from office. On Saturday, Mr. Puigdemont called for a peaceful “democratic opposition,” although it is not clear what that might mean. A lot will depend on what happens between now and December, said several people at the rally on Sunday.

Source: New York Times October 29, 2017 20:26 UTC