The far-left pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party said it would abstain from an investiture vote in the regional parliament on Monday. The absence of its votes will leave pro-independence candidate Quim Torra with the simple majority needed to be elected regional president. The pro-independence government of Artur Mas defies the Madrid government and Spain’s constitutional court by holding a symbolic vote on independence. Carles Puigdemont, who has replaced Mas as regional president, announces an independence referendum will be held on 1 October. Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, fires regional president, Carles Puigdemont, and orders regional elections to be held on 21 December.

Source: The Guardian May 13, 2018 17:29 UTC