Spanish separatist lawmakers blast ‘anachronistic’ monarchy

MADRID (AP) — Nearly 50 lawmakers who advocate their regions’ independence from Spain have boycotted the ceremonial opening of the nation’s legislative season to protest the presence of the royal family. The representatives of five parties from the northern regions of Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia say the position of the king is “anachronistic” and should be rooted out of Spanish politics. Their symbolic gesture Monday exposes the difficulties Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces in coming months. His coalition with a far-left  party will need votes from the separatist parties to pass the nation’s 2020 spending plan and any significant legislation. Sánchez’s Socialists have been supportive of Felipe VI and the former monarch, Juan Carlos I.