Express & Star

Catalan parliament fails to agree on new president

Candidate Jordi Turull fell short of the absolute majority he needed to be elected.

Published
Jordi Turull failed to win enough votes (Manu Fernandez/AP)

The separatist majority in Catalonia’s parliament has failed to elect a regional president, starting a two-month countdown that could end with another regional election in the restive corner of Spain.

Candidate Jordi Turull fell short of the absolute majority needed to become the next Catalan president due to a division within the three parties who seek independence for the north-eastern region.

An abstention from Thursday’s vote by the anti-capitalist CUP party left Mr Turull with 64 votes when he needed 68.

Spain Catalonia
Jordi Turull was hoping to win 68 votes (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Parliament rules say Mr Turull could have a second chance to be elected on Saturday.

But the former minister in the previous government faces a court date on Friday that could end with his indictment on rebellion charges and a spell in jail.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.