Lawmakers from Catalonia's leading separatist party say they will try to re-elect fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont as the president of the region despite the expected prohibition by Spanish courts. Coalition spokesman Eduard Pujol says they will try to elect Puigdemont by May 14. If a president is not sworn in by May 22 a new election will be triggered. Separatist lawmakers changed regional laws Friday to allow Catalonia's president to be sworn in without being present. Spanish courts have blocked past efforts by Catalan separatists to continue their secession push.

Source: ABC News May 05, 2018 18:56 UTC