Spain's Socialists Win Catalan Election with 85% Ballots Counted, End Separatist Rule

May 12, 2024, 09:02 PM

In a significant regional election in Catalonia, Spain's Socialist Party emerged victorious with 85% of ballots counted, effectively ending over a decade of separatist governance in the wealthy northeastern region. The election results have dealt a considerable blow to the separatist movement, which has been a dominant force in Catalan politics, and to the aspirations of exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont. This shift in power is seen as a critical test for the strength of the separatist movement and has implications for the national political landscape, potentially affecting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's coalition government in Madrid.