Catalonia has declared independence from Spain, ahead of an expected vote in the Senate which will see Madrid seize the region’s autonomous powers.
The vote in the regional parliament followed a tense week of last-ditch negotiations between Madrid and Barecelona.
Seventy Catalan deputies voted for independence, with 10 opposed and two blank ballot slips.
Rounds of applause broke out in the chamber as members of the parliament hugged and shook hands.
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