Catalonia’s Assembly Elects New Hard-Line Separatist Leader

Although separatists have regained control, an independent Catalonia is an increasingly distant prospect

Jeannette Neumann

Updated May 14, 2018 10:10 a.m. ET

MADRID—Catalonia’s regional assembly elected a new leader Monday, likely clearing the way for the Rajoy administration in Madrid to end direct rule over the restive region.

Catalan lawmakers elected Quim Torra, a hard-line separatist, to lead the regional government in Barcelona, with 66 votes in favor and 65 votes opposed. Four lawmakers abstained.

Although...