Catalonia: We will simply ignore Spain’s bid to impose direct rule

CATALONIA yesterday insisted that it will ignore attempts by the Spanish government to impose direct rule as the threat of widespread protests emerged.

In an unprecedented move aimed at cutting off Catalonia’s push for independence, Madrid has threatened to activate powers to sack ministers and take control of its police.

After being criticised as a ‘coup’ by the wealthy region’s leaders, officials yesterday signalled that any decisions taken by Madrid would simply be ignored.

The stand- off has prompted growing fears of civil unrest, with reports yesterday suggesting that Catalonia’s police force may refuse to follow orders after the overhaul. Raul Romeva, a spokesman for the Catalonia government, warned that the threat to impose direct rule could cause further harm for the future of the EU.

Brussels has repeatedly refused to

‘Massive civil disobedience’

become embroiled in the political crisis and simply called for both sides to engage in dialogue about the issue.

The continued political crisis follows the region’s vote for independence which Madrid tried to shut down using the police force after branding the poll illegal.

After delaying a declaration of independence, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont will discuss the decision with the region’s parliament on Thursday.

Amid suspicions that the leader could use the session to declare independence, his political allies in the region yesterday called for more a more extreme reaction.

The far-left Popular Unity Candidacy said the ‘assault’ by Madrid called for massive civil disobedience. The call was bolstered by warnings from firefighters, teachers and students who threatened strikes and protests yesterday.

Voters in referendums in Italy’s neighbouring Lombardy and Veneto regions overwhelmingly supported measures seeking greater autonomy from Rome. Matteo Salvini, whose Right-wing Northern League party controls both wealthy regions, said the peaceful votes, which are not legally binding, were ‘a lesson in democracy for Europe’.