‘Going nuclear’ How Spain plans to seize control

Article 155 – the so-called “nuclear option” – has never been used before.

It provides for the Spanish authorities to “compel” a self-governing community to fulfil its constitutional obligations.

Effectively re-establishing direct rule, Spain must detail its plans – possibly forcing an election, taking control of the police and ousting proindependence officials – which must then be approved by the Senate.