Separatist lawmaker Jordi Turull failed to win enough support in the regional chamber to become Catalan president, the latest evidence of the tensions running through the pro-independence camp after its attempt to secede from Spain collapsed in October.

He was backed by 64 of the 133 lawmakers who voted, compared with 65 votes against and 4 abstentions, speaker Roger Torrent said Thursday in a televised session in Barcelona. Turull is among six separatist politicians who on Friday will hear details of the criminal charges they may face once the investigation into last year’s events is completed.

They could include alleged rebellion, sedition and the diversion of public funds. Turull, who was a member of ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont’s cabinet, as well as his allies may face preventive jail or disqualification from office depending on the preliminary charges they face.

Josep Maria Fuster, a law professor at University of Barcelona, said a charge of rebellion against someone in government would most likely result in immediate disqualification. “It’s slightly less clear whether the same criteria can be applied to lawmakers,” he said.

Turull will have a second chance to become president on Saturday. Even if he fails, his decision to stand as a candidate triggers a two-month deadline for regional lawmakers to find a president before fresh elections are called. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy canceled a trip to Angola over the weekend.</s>El juez procesará el viernes a Turull y a otros cinco diputados del Parlament por el 'procés' catalán El secesionismo quiere ungir hoy al ex consejero de Presidencia para que acuda a su cita con el magistrado como 'president' electo

El Parlament celebrará este jueves a las cinco de la tarde un pleno de investidura exprés para que el candidato, Jordi Turull, acuda a su cita con el magistrado Pablo Llarena ungido como presidente de la Generalitat.

Ante la posibilidad de que el juez del Tribunal Supremo procese e inhabilite mañana al ex consejero de Presidencia, el independentismo reaccionó con urgencia y alcanzó un acuerdo in extremis para celebrar la sesión de investidura horas antes de que Llarena comunique a Turull si le impone nuevas medidas cautelares que acaben con su carrera política.

Con este movimiento, las formaciones secesionistas plantean un pulso al magistrado del Alto Tribunal. De procesar e inhabilitar a Turull, Llarena no estaría actuando contra un diputado raso, como hizo al rechazar la excarcelación del ya ex candidato Jordi Sànchez, sino contra un presidente de la Generalitat investido en el Parlament.

Esa circunstancia permitiría a las fuerzas secesionistas ahondar en la tesis que vienen explotando para esconder su debilidad desde que se celebraran las elecciones del 21-D: que el Estado y la Justicia española no aceptan el resultado de los comicios y están bloqueando la formación de Govern y el levantamiento del artículo 155.

La citación de Llarena contribuyó a desencallar una negociación del todo enquistada, pues Turull no contaba ni mucho menos con los apoyos necesarios para ser investido. La CUP se negaba a respaldar la elección de un candidato procedente de la antigua Convergència que, además, no se comprometía a desobedecer a los jueces para implementar la república autoproclamada el pasado 27 de octubre.

Sin embargo, los antisistema se abrieron al menos a reconsiderar su postura. La CUP conoció la decisión de Llarena durante una reunión con Junts per Catalunya y, de inmediato, decidió anular una conferencia que había convocado en la tarde de ayer para ratificar su rechazo a la investidura del ex consejero de Presidencia.

Sin embargo, su apoyo a Turull no puede darse todavía por hecho. La formación independentista de izquierda radical criticó a Junts per Catalunya y ERC por haber convocado el pleno «de forma unilateral» y sin su «beneplácito», y a las tres de la tarde, sólo dos horas antes de que arranque la sesión, reunirá a sus bases para decidir si finalmente respalda la elección del candidato propuesto.

Sin el apoyo sus cuatro diputados la investidura resultaría imposible, puesto que la elección en primera vuelta sólo puede certificarse por mayoría absoluta, lo que hace necesario alcanzar los 68 votos, algo que no sería posible con la renuncia de Carles Puigdemont y Toni Comín al escaño; la solución alternativa que se había planteado para investir a Turull si los antisistema decidían no moverse de la abstención y mantener bloqueada la investidura.

Pasadas las diez de la noche -y tras una tarde de reuniones en las que Puigdemont participó por videoconferencia desde Bruselas- el presidente del Parlament, Roger Torrent, comunicaba la convocatoria del pleno. Lo hacía tras realizar una atípica ronda de consultas por vía telefónica con los líderes de los grupos parlamentarios. Ronda que el republicano finiquitó en menos de media hora.

Este mecanismo ya fue utilizado por Carme Forcadell, cuando Artur Mas renunció a ser candidato un día antes de la fecha límite para convocar nuevas elecciones y propuso a Puigdemont como candidato al pleno de investidura, que se celebró un domingo, pocas horas antes de finalizar el plazo máximo de dos meses que estipula la ley.

Torrent defendió que actúa para «defender los derechos políticos» de Turull ante los «movimientos e injerencias» de la Justicia que se podrían consumar mañana.

Cabe precisar, no obstante, que aunque Turull fuera investido este jueves, no tendría tiempo de cumplir con todos los trámites preceptivos para convertirse en nuevo presidente de la Generalitat antes de acudir a su cita con Llarena. Tras salir victorioso del pleno de investidura, el Rey debe ratificar su nombramiento y, posteriormente, debe tomar posesión en el Palau de la Generalitat.</s>MADRID (AP) — The Latest on Catalonia's bid to secede from Spain(all times local):

The separatist majority in Catalonia's parliament has failed to elect a regional president, starting a two-month countdown that could end with another regional election in the restive corner of Spain.

Candidate Jordi Turull fell short of the absolute majority needed to become the next Catalan president due to a division within the three parties who seek independence for the northeastern region.

An abstention from Thursday's vote by the anti-capitalist CUP party left Turull with 64 votes when he needed 68.

The regional parliament now has two months to pick a president and form a government before a new election is re triggered.

Parliament rules say Turull could have a second chance to be elected on Saturday.

But the former minister in the previous government faces a court date on Friday that could end with his indictment on rebellion charges and preventative jail.

Catalan presidential hopeful Jordi Turull says he wants to foster dialogue with Spain's central authorities if he's elected as the regional president. He didn't specify what the dialogue would entail.

In a speech to fellow lawmakers, the pro-independence ex-minister outlined some of the social, economic and other measures he would implement if elected on Thursday.

There was no mention of "independence" or "republic" in the hour-long speech.

Turull is the third candidate proposed by parties that support Catalan independence. His bid appears because lawmakers of the anti-capitalist CUP party want a president who vows to realize the region's secession.

He is also facing a possible indictment on rebellion and other charges.

He told the Catalan parliament: "I prefer to accept the risk of being a victim of injustice than to back away from what is happening."

Catalonia's parliament is holding a session to elect as the Spanish region's next president a former separatist minister who could be indicted on rebellion charges as early as Friday.

Jordi Turull is among the former Catalan officials facing possible rebellion charges over the regional assembly's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

A Supreme Court judge overseeing the investigation plans to issue indictments Friday. That could lead to Turull being imprisoned and, at a later stage, possibly banned from public office.

Turull also appears to lack the support he needs to be elected as Catalonia's next president on Thursday. The radical-left separatist CUP party says its representatives won't vote for Turull, leaving him short of an absolute majority in the regional chamber.

If Turull is not jailed by a judge on Friday, parliament rules would give him a second chance to be elected as the northeastern region's leader on Saturday.

Spain's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal to release two Catalan independence leaders from pre-trial detention while a judge investigates Catalonia's illegal attempt to secede from Spain last year.

The top court ruled that there is still risk for Joaquim Forn, the ousted Catalan Interior Minister, and Jordi Sanchez, the former president of the pro-independence civil rights group ANC, to repeat the offenses that landed them in jail.

Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena is set to issue indictments for Forn and other separatist politicians on Friday, in a probe looking into possible rebellion, sedition and embezzlement charges.

Llarena is investigating Sanchez in connection with the turbulent events last fall, and particularly whether the activist should be held accountable for allegedly orchestrating protests that hindered officials trying to stop a banned independence referendum.

Spain's government has rejected a plan by separatists in Catalonia's regional parliament to elect prominent secessionist politician Jordi Turull as Catalan president.

The secretary of state for territorial administration, Roberto Bermudez de Castro, says Thursday's vote in Barcelona is just another ploy in the region's frustrated attempt to gain independence.

He told the Spanish Senate the government will oppose the election of any candidate who faces legal proceedings. Turull is among ex-officials facing possible rebellion charges over the regional parliament's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

Turull is the third candidate proposed by pro-independence lawmakers since a December election. The central government is running Catalonia from Madrid.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>MADRID (AP) — The Latest on Catalonia's bid to secede from Spain(all times local):

Catalan presidential hopeful Jordi Turull says he wants to foster dialogue with Spain's central authorities if he's elected as the regional president. He didn't specify what the dialogue would entail.

In a speech to fellow lawmakers, the pro-independence ex-minister outlined some of the social, economic and other measures he would implement if elected on Thursday.

There was no mention of "independence" or "republic" in the hour-long speech.

Turull is the third candidate proposed by parties that support Catalan independence. His bid appears because lawmakers of the anti-capitalist CUP party want a president who vows to realize the region's secession.

He is also facing a possible indictment on rebellion and other charges.

He told the Catalan parliament: "I prefer to accept the risk of being a victim of injustice than to back away from what is happening."

Catalonia's parliament is holding a session to elect as the Spanish region's next president a former separatist minister who could be indicted on rebellion charges as early as Friday.

Jordi Turull is among the former Catalan officials facing possible rebellion charges over the regional assembly's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

A Supreme Court judge overseeing the investigation plans to issue indictments Friday. That could lead to Turull being imprisoned and, at a later stage, possibly banned from public office.

Turull also appears to lack the support he needs to be elected as Catalonia's next president on Thursday. The radical-left separatist CUP party says its representatives won't vote for Turull, leaving him short of an absolute majority in the regional chamber.

If Turull is not jailed by a judge on Friday, parliament rules would give him a second chance to be elected as the northeastern region's leader on Saturday.

Spain's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal to release two Catalan independence leaders from pre-trial detention while a judge investigates Catalonia's illegal attempt to secede from Spain last year.

The top court ruled that there is still risk for Joaquim Forn, the ousted Catalan Interior Minister, and Jordi Sanchez, the former president of the pro-independence civil rights group ANC, to repeat the offenses that landed them in jail.

Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena is set to issue indictments for Forn and other separatist politicians on Friday, in a probe looking into possible rebellion, sedition and embezzlement charges.

Llarena is investigating Sanchez in connection with the turbulent events last fall, and particularly whether the activist should be held accountable for allegedly orchestrating protests that hindered officials trying to stop a banned independence referendum.

Spain's government has rejected a plan by separatists in Catalonia's regional parliament to elect prominent secessionist politician Jordi Turull as Catalan president.

The secretary of state for territorial administration, Roberto Bermudez de Castro, says Thursday's vote in Barcelona is just another ploy in the region's frustrated attempt to gain independence.

He told the Spanish Senate the government will oppose the election of any candidate who faces legal proceedings. Turull is among ex-officials facing possible rebellion charges over the regional parliament's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

Turull is the third candidate proposed by pro-independence lawmakers since a December election. The central government is running Catalonia from Madrid.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>Candidate Jordi Turull fell short of the absolute majority needed to become the next Catalan president due to a division within the three parties who seek independence for the north-eastern region.

An abstention from Thursday’s vote by the anti-capitalist CUP party left Mr Turull with 64 votes when he needed 68.

The regional parliament now has two months to pick a president and form a government before a new election is triggered.</s>The separatist majority in Catalonia’s parliament has failed to elect a regional president, starting a two-month countdown that could end with another regional election in the restive corner of Spain.

Candidate Jordi Turull fell short of the absolute majority needed to become the next Catalan president due to a division within the three parties who seek independence for the north-eastern region.

An abstention from Thursday’s vote by the anti-capitalist CUP party left Mr Turull with 64 votes when he needed 68.

The regional parliament now has two months to pick a president and form a government before a new election is triggered.

Parliament rules say Mr Turull could have a second chance to be elected on Saturday.

But the former minister in the previous government faces a court date on Friday that could end with his indictment on rebellion charges and a spell in jail.</s>BARCELONA, March 22 (Reuters) - Catalan secessionist parties are likely to fail for a third time to elect a new regional head on Thursday after the far-left group CUP said it would abstain in a vote of confidence.

But if even Jordi Turull does not get enough support, the act of holding the vote - if it does take place after several false starts - begins a two month countdown on installing a new regional president or failing that a new Catalan election should be held.

The parties seeking a split from Spain decided on Wednesday night to put forward Turull, a member of the previous regional administration, for the position. The confidence vote is due to be held on Thursday night.

The abstention of CUP means Turull cannot win an absolute majority. He could still be elected in a second vote within 48 hours when only a simple majority of votes - more yes than no - is needed but it is unclear whether this will happen.

Catalonia has been in political limbo since an election called by Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in December in an attempt to derail an independence movement. The plan backfired as parties favouring a split with Spain won the vote.

Madrid invoked special powers to take over the regional government after the Catalan administration declared independence in October. The wealthy, populous region has been ruled directly by Madrid ever since.

Turull was briefly held in custody on charges of rebellion and sedition after his involvement in the independence push in October. He was released on bail after accepting the central government's control over the region but still faces the prospect of a trial.

He and other secessionist leaders are due to appear before the Supreme Court on Friday morning for the opening of a new phase in the investigation which leads to a trial.

The judge could declare him ineligible or even send him back to jail if he concludes that there is enough early evidence that he committed those crimes.

The central government has also made it clear it would stop any candidate who has taken part to the secessionist drive from taking office.

Former regional head Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile in Brussels, and Jordi Sanchez, a leader of a prominent grassroots group who is in jail over his role in the illegal campaign to split from Spain, have both withdrawn their bids because they could not attend a swearing-in session. (Writing by Julien Toyer Editing by Alison Williams)</s>MADRID (Reuters) - Secessionist parties in Catalonia will put forward their third candidate to become the next regional president on Thursday, the speaker of the Catalan parliament said on Wednesday, though it remains unclear whether the latest bid will be successful.

The parties seeking a split from Spain will present Jordi Turull, a member of the previous regional administration, for a vote of confidence in the regional parliament on Thursday, the Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent said in a statement.

 Catalonia has been in political limbo since December elections called by Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in an attempt to derail an independence movement. The plan backfired as parties favouring a split with Spain won the election.

 Madrid invoked special powers to take over the regional government after the Catalan administration declared independence in October. The wealthy, populous region has been ruled directly by Madrid ever since. 

 Former regional head Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile in Brussels, and Jordi Sanchez, a leader of a prominent grassroots group who is in jail over his role in the illegal campaign to split from Spain, have both withdrawn their bids because they could not attend a swearing-in session.

 The latest candidate, Turull, was briefly held in custody on charges of rebellion and sedition after his involvement in the independence push in October. He was released on bail after accepting the central government's control over the region but still faces the prospect of a trial.

 It is not clear whether Turull, who is free to attend parliamentary sessions and to be voted in, would be able to become the next president of the region because the central government has made it clear it would stop any candidate who has taken part to the secessionist drive.

 Rajoy sacked the Catalan government and took control in October, hours after the Catalan parliament made a unilateral declaration of independence in a vote boycotted by the opposition and declared illegal by Spanish courts.

 "I would recommend them to look forward and pick a clean candidate, who abides by the law," Rajoy told Spanish lawmakers on Wednesday.

 Turull and other secessionist leaders are due to appear before the Supreme Court on Friday for the opening of a new phase in the investigation which leads to a trial.

 

 (Reporting by Julien Toyer and Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Paul Day and Hugh Lawson)</s>MADRID -- Spain's government has rejected a plan by separatists in Catalonia's regional parliament to elect prominent secessionist politician Jordi Turull as Catalan president.

The secretary of state for territorial administration, Roberto Bermudez de Castro, says Thursday's vote in Barcelona is just another ploy in the region's frustrated attempt to gain independence.

He told the Spanish Senate the government will oppose the election of any candidate who faces legal proceedings. Turull is among ex-officials facing possible rebellion charges over the regional parliament's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

Turull is the third candidate proposed by pro-independence lawmakers since a December election. The central government is running Catalonia from Madrid.</s>BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Catalonia's secession-minded parliament debated Thursday whether to elect as the restive Spanish region's next president a former separatist government minister who could be indicted on rebellion charges within 24 hours.

Jordi Turull is the third candidate proposed by pro-independence Catalan lawmakers since a December election in the region, and his possible election brought political tensions in Spain to a head once more.

Turull is among the ex-officials from Catalonia's previous government facing possible rebellion charges over the regional assembly's failed attempt last year to break away from Spain.

However, he looked to be shy of the votes needed to be elected as the new president Thursday because the anti-capitalist left CUP party said it wouldn't support him.

Spain's national government rejected the separatists' plan to put Turull in power. The vote in Barcelona was another ploy in the region's frustrated goal of gaining independence, the secretary of state for territorial administration, Roberto Bermudez de Castro, said.

The central government has been running Catalonia from Madrid since snatching away Catalonia's regional powers over the October breakaway vote, which courts have ruled unconstitutional.

Bermudez de Castro told the Spanish Senate the government will oppose the election of any candidate who faces legal proceedings. A Supreme Court judge overseeing the rebellion investigation plans to issue indictments Friday, and Turull could be among those charged.

That could lead to Turull being imprisoned and, at a later stage, possibly banned from public office.

If Turull is not jailed on Friday, parliament rules give him a second chance to be considered as the northeastern region's leader on Saturday, when he would need a simple majority of votes.

Also Thursday, the Spain Supreme Court rejected an appeal to release two other Catalan independence leaders from pre-trial detention while a judge investigates Catalonia's attempt to secede.

The top court ruled that there was still a risk that Joaquim Forn, the ousted Catalan Interior Minister, and Jordi Sanchez, the former president of the pro-independence civil rights group ANC, to repeat the offenses that landed them in jail.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Jordi Turull i Negre, ex-member of the dismissed regional government, who was imprisoned amid sedition and under investigation due to his connection in a corruption scandal involving CiU, is named candidate by the President of Catalan Parliament in a investiture for Thursday, March 22.