WEB DESK
Pro-unity rallies are going on in the Spanish capital after Sunday’s disputed referendum for Catalan independence.
Tens of thousands of people joined protests across Spain on Saturday calling for an end to the political crisis that has rocked the country since Catalan authorities held a barred independence referendum last Sunday.
Tens of thousands have protested in Madrid, while other demonstrations have been held in the Catalan city of Barcelona urging political dialogue. Campaigners gathered with signs saying “Spain is better than its leaders” and “let’s talk”.
Businesses have continued to announce their departure from the Catalan region amid the ongoing political uncertainty. The Caixa Foundation, which controls one of the Spain’s largest banks, announced it was moving its headquarters to Palma de Mallorca while the crisis continues.
The country is waiting for a speech on Tuesday by Catalan President Carles Puigdemont amid speculation he will declare independence.
The final results showed 90 percent of the 2.3 million people who voted backed independence. Turnout was 43 percent.
Tensions between Madrid and Barcelona have escalated since last week’s disputed Catalan independence referendum. In response, thousands have joined demonstrations across Spain.
Madrid has apologized to Catalans injured by police during the independence vote. “I can do nothing but regret it, apologize on behalf of the officers who intervened,” Madrid’s representative in Catalonia, Enric Millo, said on Friday.
Secessionists in Catalonia have faced economic as well as political pressure to draw down pressure in recent days as large banks and foreign companies have said they will move their headquarters to other parts of Spain.