Polls have closed in the Spanish region of Catalonia, in an election seen as a litmus test of the separatist movement’s legitimacy after it attempted to break away from Spain.

Spain’s Catalonia region declared a drought emergency in 24 municipalities Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, following a severe lack of rain in recent years. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File) ...

Leaders of Spain and Catalonia open long-awaited talks on region’s political future Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, left, and Catalan President Quim Torra.

Spain’s regions invested about $62 million in film and television subsidies in 2009, with the lion’s share — $24 million — coming from the northeastern region of Catalonia.

Catalan lawmakers have voted to establish an independent republic. Meanwhile, the Spanish Senate has given Spain's prime minister the authority to institute direct rule of the semi-autonomous region.

A test of wills in Catalonia as Spain tightens grip on restive region Protesters wave Spanish and Catalan Senyera flags during a pro-unity demonstration in Barcelona on Sunday.

The monthslong standoff between Catalonia and the Spanish government escalated when Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said his government would dissolve the region’s parliament, fire its police chief ...