Spain’s ruling Socialist party emerged victorious in the regional elections in Catalonia, securing the most seats and dealing a significant blow to the region’s main separatist parties. Despite not achieving a majority, candidate Salvador Illa's party won 42 seats, marking the first time the Socialists have led a Catalan election in both votes and seats won.
The election outcome is seen as a success for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has worked to ease tensions in Catalonia despite opposition from right-leaning parties in Spain. The election results have been described as the worst for the forces of Catalan independence since 1982.
