Over 2 million Catalans voted on Sunday , defying decisions by Spain 's highest court . The referendum was called after the Spanish government said it would not allow a vote that could lead to independence for Catalonia. Catalan secessionists have staged massive street demonstrations in recent years . Although Scots voted to remain in the United Kingdom , many Catalans insisted Madrid should let them vote , too , as London had done for Scotland . The Spanish government says the constitution does n't allow one region to unilaterally secede .
Over 2 million Catalans voted on Sunday , defying decisions by Spain 's highest court . The referendum was called after the Spanish government said it would not allow a vote that could lead to independence for Catalonia. Catalan secessionists have staged massive street demonstrations in recent years . The Spanish government says the constitution does n't allow one region to unilaterally secede .