The case stems from Quim Torra’s refusal to follow orders from Spain’s electoral committee to remove a banner supporting jailed separatists from the main facade of his government palace.
Outgoing Catalan leader Quim Torra said on Monday that regional elections would be held in the coming months after Spain’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling barring him from public office for 18 months, sparking protests in Barcelona in the evening.
In a televised address, Mr. Torra said he would appeal the sentence, which he described as a politically motivated move to overthrow the Catalan government.
Nevertheless, the ruling took effect as soon as Mr. Torra was officially notified of it, meaning Catalan deputy leader Pere Aragones is expected to become acting head, likely triggering an election.
“This needs to be a turning point. There must be a new plebiscite to confirm the October 1st…