CUP’s base to decide the next step on pro-independence process

Pro-separatist parties won the most seats in the Catalan parliament in the election held on the 27 September 2015. Junts pel Si (Together for Yes) had said it would push ahead with independence.

However subsequently, the radical left CUP which had been part of the Together for Yes alliance calling for independence, refused to accept the reinstatement of the existing Catalan President Artur Mas as the new President due to ideological differences and allegations of corruption.

On the 27 December 2015 the CUP held its General Assembly. Division between members meant no clear decision was made. A further meeting of key CUP personnel and members on the 3 January 2016 decided not to support a new Catalan government led by Artur Mas.

The Catalan parliament had until 9 January 2016 to elect a leader and form a new government. Otherwise, there would have to be fresh elections in the spring of 2016.

• Primary Source

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BBC News, 03.01.16: Catalonia faces new election as leftist CUP rejects Mas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35217593

CNA, 03.01.16: CUP refuses Mas’ investiture http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/cup-refuses-mas-investiture

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CNA, 04.01.16: CUP's number one Antonio Baños quits http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/cup-leader-antonio-banos-quits

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