‘Spain on brink of civil war’
Catalonia declares independence Angry Madrid imposes direct rule
SPAIN was plunged into turmoil last night after Catalonia’s parliament voted for independence and Madrid moved to impose direct rule.
Fears of violence erupting on the streets grew as the crisis deepened.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy last night tweeted “the rule of law will restore legality in Catalonia” – before sacking the region’s Cabinet and announcing elections on December 21.
He also moved towards taking control of the breakaway region’s police forces by sacking its first in command.
Earlier, Catalan MPs backed separation by 70 votes to 10, with two abstentions, supporting this month’s “illegal” independence referendum which led to heavy-handed police action at polls.
Minutes later, PM Rajoy was granted authority by Spain’s parliament to trigger Article 155 of the constitution, stripping Catalonia of its autonomy.
Appealing for calm, he said the unprecedented move was needed to return “law, democracy and stability”.
Mr Rajoy added: “Spain is a serious country, it is a great nation and we are not prepared in any way to allow some people to liquidate our constitution.”
DEFIANT
But the Catalan National Assembly called on civil servants not to follow orders from the Spanish government, urging “peaceful resistance”.
World leaders, including Theresa May, insisted they would deal only with Madrid and experts said Catalonia had pressed the button on the “unthinkable”.
But yesterday’s historic decision –26 days after the unauthorised poll – was backed with defiant words from Catalan President Carles Puigdemont.
Calling on supporters to uphold “democratic principles in a civic way”, he said Catalonia had “the fundamental principles of a very old nation in Europe”.
He added: “Today our legitimate parliament, a parliament that came out of a democratic election, has taken a very important step.
“The legitimate representatives of the citizens have followed the people’s mandate. Now we are facing times when we will need to keep calm and peaceful – always with dignity.
“This is in our hands, in your hands. Long live Catalonia.”
Pro-independence MPs celebrated by singing Catalan’s anthem as locals took to the streets, flying Catalan colours defiantly worn by FC Barcelona side earlier this month. There have even been suggestions Catalan clubs, also including Girona and Espanyol, might join the Premier League after independence. But Theresa May said last night: “The UK does not and will not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence by the Catalan