Politics

Madrid says focus should be on day-to-day economic issues rather than constitutional question 

Victòria Alsina says possible multi-million euro Court of Auditors fine for independence push seeks "civil death" of 40 officials

Right-wing parties appeal against pardons, political dialogue, leaders barred from running in elections and European human rights court ruling regardless, among future scenarios

Date comes just two hours after the release of nine independence leaders

Spanish president Pedro Sánchez defends measure as means to achieve  "reconciliation"

Catalan president Pere Aragonès argues findings send "clear message" to Spanish judicial system

Report passed by a majority of 70 to 28 calls convictions "disproportionate" also demands withdrawing extradition requests for exiles

Independence campaigners say "repression of 3,000 people continues" while unionists say move is a concession of Socialists to stay in power

President Pedro Sánchez announces measure in Barcelona in order to encourage 'reconciliation' between Catalonia and Spain 

Former Harvard professor accused of spending public money abroad on independence push retired almost two years before referendum

Measure also backed by top Catalan bishops

Pere Aragonès and Felipe attend economic forum in Barcelona

First €9bn payment due at end of July once plan is approved by EU finance ministers 

Vice president Calvo says they will "soon" be a reality for nine imprisoned politicians and activists

Leaders of People's Party, Ciudadanos and the far-right Vox among 25,000 at Plaza de Colón demonstration