Party clears way for separatist to be Catalan president

Catalan politicians cleared the way today for a pro-independence candidate to be elected regional president and end the emergency direct rule imposed by Madrid in last year's political crisis.

The far-left CUP party said in a statement that it would abstain from an investiture vote in the regional parliament tomorrow.

The absence of its votes will leave pro-independence candidate Quim Torra with the simple majority needed to be elected regional president.