Catalonia focus on regaining autonomy, deposed leaders face court

The regional elections in Catalonia set for the 21st of December could be crucial for the next stage of the battle between Madrid and Barcelona.

The regional elections in Catalonia, set for the December 21, could be crucial for the next stage of the battle between Madrid and Barcelona.

But there are signs in the pro-secession camp that they are focusing less on talking about independence and more on regaining their autonomy in Spain.

Meanwhile, Catalonia’s deposed president, Carles Puigdemont, and four of his colleagues are set to appear in a Belgian court next week. It is the start of proceedings to decide if they’ll be sent back to Spain, where they face charges of sedition and rebellion.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reports from Barcelona.