MADRID—A secession vote in Spain’s Catalonia region that took place amid police violence one year ago not only posed a traumatic challenge to Spanish democracy, but nearly tore apart Barcelona resident Teresa Reyes’ family. The December election in Catalonia and a no-confidence vote in the national parliament brought in main new main players. On the issue of secession, Torra and Sanchez have agreed it needs to be settled with a vote. Separatists want another independence referendum, this time a valid one sanctioned by the state. The so-called pragmatists — led from prison by Catalonia’s former vice-president — want to widen support for secession in the region before making another push.

Source: thestar September 30, 2018 14:15 UTC