BARCELONA (Sputnik) — Catalonia's independence from Spain is a priority, Catalan President Artur Mas said Monday.
"Seventy-two Catalan deputies can lead Catalonia to independence. We will use a road map, which will lead us to the Catalan state. This is our priority," Mas said at the press conference.
On Sunday, the pro-independence Junts pel Si (Together for Yes) coalition and their allies from the radical left-wing Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party secured 72 seats in the 135-member Catalan parliament, following regional elections.
According to Mas, the victory gives the parties a clear mandate to form an independent state of Catalonia.
Catalonia has long sought independence from Spain, accusing Madrid of constraining its economic and cultural autonomy.
Madrid has repeatedly said that Catalonia’s separation from Spain is against the country’s constitution.
