Spain anxiously awaits Catalan leader’s independence speech

BARCELONA, Spain — Catalonia’s regional leader is preparing to address parliament in a highly anticipated session that could spell the birth of a new republic, marking a critical point in a decade-long standoff between Catalan separatists and Spain’s central authorities.

Security is tight in Barcelona and police have cordoned off a park surrounding the legislative building, where Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is expected to walk a fine line when he addresses regional lawmakers.

The speech will need to appease the most radical separatist-minded supporters of his ruling coalition — but Puigdemont could shut down any possibility of negotiating with Spain if he adopts a hard line.

The Catalan leader hasn’t revealed the precise message he will deliver in the address, but separatist lawmakers and activists have said they won’t be satisfied with anything short of an independence declaration.

–AP