Tens of thousands of people rallied in Barcelona on Sunday to oppose Catalonian independence from Spain. The pro-unity rally was held amid speculation that independence would be unilaterally declared at the regional parliament on Tuesday.
Organisers of Spanish pro unity rally claim 950,000 people have taken to the streets of #Barcelona. Spanish transport Police say 350,000
Police say that around 350,000 people took part. Participants waved Spanish flags and yelled “Catalonia is Spain”.
Some voiced concern that secession would bring economic hardship, while others said that politicians should focus on social issues such as unemployment.
In a referendum on October 1st, more than 90 percent of those reported to have voted supported independence. Voter turnout was 43 percent.
It is widely speculated that Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont will declare independence when he addresses the regional parliament on Tuesday.
Spain’s constitutional court suspended the parliament session originally scheduled for Monday.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in a newspaper interview that an independence declaration is invalid in whatever form.
Catalan leaders face a difficult decision as Sunday’s rally shows division in the region.
