The Catalan parliament has narrowly elected a hardline secessionist as president, presaging the end of 199 days of direct rule from Madrid. Quim Torra, an uncompromisingly pro-independence MP who joined parliament six months ago, was elected by 66 votes to 65. Q&A Why does the Spanish government say the Catalan referendum is illegal? The Spanish constitutional court, which has suspended the referendum law pushed through the Catalan parliament in September, is looking into whether the law breaches the constitution. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Carles Puigdemont in the Catalan parliament in September 2016, before he was ousted by the Spanish government.

Source: The Guardian May 14, 2018 13:51 UTC