Socialists and Esquerra note 'progress' in talks to tackle Catalonia's 'political conflict'

The Socialists and pro-independence Esquerra Republicana noted "progress" in finding tools to manage Catalonia's "political conflict" following the second bi-party meeting held in Madrid on Tuesday.

The Socialists need support for Pedro Sánchez's presidential bid having failed to secure an absolute majority in the November 10 general election and pro-independence Esquerra Republicana has made that support contingent on successful negotiations surrounding the Catalan conflict.

A joint press release was issued after their meeting Tuesday evening in which they "reaffirmed the existence of a political conflict that must be resolved politically."

The press release also stated they had made progress negotiating specific social issues relating to "the recovery of civil, labor, and social rights."

The parties will meet once again to continue their talks on December 10.