Spain's Socialists win Catalan vote, separatists lose majority

The recent regional elections in Catalonia resulted in a significant shift away from separatist parties and towards the Spanish Socialist Party (PSC) led by Salvador Illa. The PSC won 28% of the vote and secured 42 seats, while pro-independence parties collectively lost their majority for the first time since 2012. Junts and Equerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), two moderate separatist parties, came in second and third place respectively. The election was called after opposition parties voted down the budget proposed by the incumbent minority government led by Pere Aragonès. The result marks a significant defeat for Carles Puigdemont and other separatists who have been in power for the past decade. The Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) secured a victory both in terms of votes and seats, ending the majority enjoyed by Catalan separatist parties since 2012.