Pro-independence parties in Catalonia have held their absolute majority in snap regional elections, dealing a blow to the Spanish government which had called the polls in the hope of defusing the secessionist push. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy had hoped the poll would restore stability but instead Spain’s political turmoil looks set to continue.

 
• infographics
 
• catalan
 
• separatists
 
• election
 
• blow
 
• rajoy