Catalonia ‘Republic Now’ march draws thousands

Several thousand Catalans took to the streets of Barcelona on Sunday calling for pro-secession politicians to forge greater unity and press ahead with their promise to create an independent republic.

Police say 45,000 independence supporters have marched in Barcelona, demanding the formation of a new Catalan government.

Madrid has blocked the moves and legal action has also forced the Catalan parliament to cancel this week’s planned session to elect a new regional first minister.

Al Jazeera’s Karl Penhaul reports from Barcelona.