MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Only Catalonian independence can push Madrid to implement social and political reform, the head of the Popular Unity Candidates-Constituent Call party, Antonio Banos, told Sputnik.
If September regional elections result in a pro-independence majority in the Catalan legislature, "we shall influence many Spaniards for separatist approaches, we shall open a path and create a de-facto constitutional situation in Spain," Banos said.
The politician observed that even non-conventional parties, like the anti-austerity Podemos, have not been able to change the state model of Spain.
On September 27, Catalonia will vote in regional elections. The Together for Yes coalition of pro-independence parties has pledged regional autonomy from Spain, should it win the vote.
Last November, over 80 percent of Catalan voters supported secession from Spain. However, the majority of the region’s voters did not take part in the vote.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said repeatedly that Catalonia’s secession was illegal.
