Spain PM gets budget backing in test of separatist strength
(WorldNews Spain)

MADRID (AP) - Spain`s parliament was set to pass a new national budget Wednesday, giving the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy some breathing space as it combats the continuing secession drive in Catalonia. Basque nationalist lawmakers made a last-minute U-turn on their earlier promise not to support the ruling Popular Party`s public spending plan as long as Rajoy`s government remained in control in Catalonia. The five votes of the Basque PNV party`s representatives in the national parliament were needed to avert a defeat that would have exposed the weakness...