Image copyright EPA Image caption Mr Puigdemont has said that that he wants to attract more supporters to the independence cause The new leader of the government in the Spanish region of Catalonia has pledged to continue his predecessor Artur Mas’s plans to secede within 18 months. Carles Puigdemont was speaking in the regional assembly ahead of a vote that confirmed him in office by 70 votes in favour to 63 against. On Saturday Mr Mas abandoned efforts to regain the regional presidency after another party refused to support him. Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has meanwhile pledged to fight for national unity. “The government won’t allow a single act that could harm the unity and sovereignty of Spain,” he said in Madrid. Image copyright AP Image caption Mr Puigdemont’s investiture in the Catalan parliament was welcomed by pro-independence supporters Image copyright Reuters Image caption Artur Mas agreed to step down as Catalan regional president after ...
Source: Odd Onion
http://www.oddonion.com/2016/01/10/new-catalonia-leader-pledges-secession/