Catalans Split Over Region's Independence From Spain

Catalan residents have split over the region's independence from Spain with nearly half of the population supporting independence and the other half opposing the region's secession, the Center for Opinion Studies of the Catalan government revealed Wednesday.

MADRID (Sputnik) — According to the pollster, 48.2 percent of respondents oppose independence and 46.6 percent support it.

The survey was conducted in Catalonia with 1,050 people interviewed.

On November 9, the Parliament of Catalonia passed a resolution to begin the process of seceding from Spain. The initiative was backed by 72 votes in the 135-seat parliament.

Acting Catalan President Artur Mas vowed to continue the process of breaking away from Spain despite the Spanish Constitutional Court Wednesday's ruling to suspend the secession after an appeal from Madrid.

Catalonia has long sought independence from Spain, accusing Madrid of constraining its economic and cultural autonomy. Madrid has repeatedly said that Catalonia’s separation from Spain is against the country’s Constitution.