The Catalan regional parliament has voted to declare independence from Spain, just as the Spanish government appears set to impose direct rule.
Seventy Catalan deputies voted for independence, with 10 opposed and two blank ballot slips, the Independent reported.
The vote in the regional parliament followed a tense week of last-ditch negotiations between Madrid and Barecelona.
Rounds of applause broke out in the chamber as members of the parliament hugged and shook hands.
Opposition lawmakers had walked out of the chamber ahead of Friday’s vote in protest.
