Catalans declare independence as Spain gets power to strike

Mariano Rajoy called for calm immediately after the vote in Barcelona as crowds swelled in number in support of independence

Catalonia’s parliament voted to declare an independent state, setting up a dramatic confrontation with Spain as the government in Madrid was granted the power to seize control of the insurgent region.

The resolution approved by lawmakers in Barcelona said the establishment of Europe’s newest sovereign country had been set in motion. The portion of the text submitted to a vote included measures to ask all nations and institutions to recognise the Catalan Republic.

Meanwhile in Madrid, the Spanish Senate approved measures giving Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy the power to oust the rebel leaders and take over the Catalan administration via Article 155