Catalonia independence threat could benefit PM in pollsCatalonia may have voted to kick off a process towards independence but the wealthy region is far from breaking up with Spain, and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy could actually benefit in upcoming elections.
11 November 2015
Catalan parliament begins process of secession from SpainLawmakers in Catalonia officially kicked off a process to secede fromSpain by 2017, despite impassioned pleas against independence, in an unprecedented showdown with Madrid's central government.
Catalan leader defends his government in graft probeCatalonia leader Artur Mas defended his ruling separatist Convergence party against graft allegations after a slew of arrests targeting current and former officials.
24 October 2015
Catalan separatists in court over independence voteSpanish judges started questioning Catalan officials charged with breaking the law by holding a vote last year on their contested drive for independence from Spain.
14 October 2015
Catalan leader slams lawsuit over breakaway voteCatalonia's president Artur Mas accused the Spanish government of suing him because its "pride was hurt" by his bids to let his region vote on independence from Spain.
Sarkozy backs 'united Spain' amid Catalan independence bidFormer French president Nicolas Sarkozy appealed for a "united Spain" in Barcelona as campaigning wrapped up for a regional election in Catalonia framed as an indirect vote on independence.
Catalan leader vows vote can steer 'political future'Catalan leader Artur Mas kicked off campaigning for a regional election billed as an indirect poll on independence from Spain by urging voters to determine their "political future".
11 September 2015
Catalans to hold mass rally in push for independence from SpainCatalan separatists hold a massive rally in Barcelona in favour of independence that will kick off campaigning for a regional election billed as a de facto referendum on secession from Spain.
Spain PM backs controversial ex-mayor to stand in Catalan pollsSpanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Wednesday backed a former mayor whose comments have been called xenophobic as his party's top candidate for regional elections in independence-minded Catalonia.