Friday, April 22, 2016

Spain Begins Talks with Catalonian Secessionists

Acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold his first official meeting with Catalonia's pro-independence regional president, Carles Puigdemont, with talks likely to center on the region's finances although the secession issue is certain to surface.

Puigdemont took office in January, promising to push ahead with his coalition government's secession plans. Rajoy, who heads Spain's caretaker government since a Dec. 30 inconclusive election, is likely to reiterate his steadfast opposition to Catalonia's independence in Wednesday's meeting.

The independence drive has gathered force in recent years after Catalonia failed to win more financing concessions from Madrid.

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