Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont called Friday for talks with his adversary, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, after snap regional elections that gave pro-independence parties a parliamentary majority. "More than two million people are in favour of Catalonia's independence," Puigdemont said, referring to the election results. Asked whether he would accept meeting with Puigdemont, Rajoy said he would seek a meeting with Ines Arrimadas, the candidate that won most votes in the election. The slim parliamentary majority that the pro-independence parties will enjoy in the Catalan parliament puts them in a strong position to form a new government. Mercedes Aras chided the Spanish government for imposing direct rule from Madrid after Catalan separatist parties in October unilaterally declared independence.

Source: CBC News December 22, 2017 12:00 UTC