Catalans ditch Gonzalez

Catalans ditch Gonzalez

Barcelona - The Catalan party that backs the minority Socialist government of Felipe Gonzalez announced that it was withdrawing "global support" from the Socialists, a move expected to lead to early elections in the spring. Jordi Pujol, leader of the Convergence and Union coalition, said Mr Gonzalez should call the elections immediately after Spain's six-month presidency of the European Union ends 31 December. Mr Pujol spoke of the government's "serious deterioration and weakness that are having a negative effect on political stability." AP