Elisenda Paluzie reelected as head of the Catalan National Assembly

In a sweeping victory, Elisenda Paluzie was reelected as president of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) on Saturday after the pro-independence group held an election to renew its top leadership positions.

Paluzie got 6.078 votes, around 85% of the ballots cast.

One of Catalonia's most influential pro-independence grassroots groups, the ANC first elected Paluzie after its former president, Jordi Sànchez, was imprisoned for his role in the 2017 bid to hold a referendum and separate from Spain.

As head of the ANC, Paluzie has repeatedly criticized Catalonia's ruling pro-independence parties for not being more confrontational with Spanish authorities.

Founded in 2012, the Catalan National Assembly has been instrumental in galvanizing the independence movement, organizing massive protests every national day, and ultimately pressuring Catalan politicians into organizing a referendum and declaring independence despite Spain's opposition.