SPAIN: Catalonia declares independence from Spain prompting the central government to impose direct rule leading to fear of violence

The Catalan Parliament has voted to declare independence from Spain. In response, just 40 minutes after the declaration of independence, the Spanish Senate in Madrid imposed direct rule to dismantle Catalonia’s autonomy. Now there are fears of violence and maybe a civil war.

The Catalan Parliament voted 70 votes to 10, with two abstentions. Before the vote, Catalan MPs opposed to the region's independence stormed out of parliament in protest - with pro-independence MPs draping their empty seats with Catalan flags. The independence motion was passed in the 135-strong assembly with 70 votes in favour, 10 against and 2 blank ballots, the assembly's speaker said. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and Vice President Oriol Junqueras exchanged congratulatory embraces and handshakes after the vote.

After the motion was passed, thousands of Catalans gathered outside the parliament building and cheered and danced.  But the Spanish prime minister wrote on Twitter immediately after the vote to reveal that the Spanish Government will be taking control of Catalonia by dismantling the region's autonomy. 

 

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy tweeted: "I ask all Spaniards to remain calm. The rule of law will restore legality in Catalonia."

The Spanish government in Madrid has invoked article 155 of the country's constitution, dismantling Catalonia’s autonomy. Speaking to senators earlier today, Rajoy said Spain had to force Catalonia to submit to the Spanish constitution by taking direct control of the region. The prime minister urged lawmakers to "proceed to the dismissal of the president of the Catalan government, his vice-president and all regional ministers" during his widely applauded speech. 

Regional President Carles Puigdemont, who has already sent his family over the border for their own safety, may now face arrest for sedition.

Catalan President and wife

Several thousand pro-independence protesters have gathered near the Catalan parliament in Barcelona.  The pro-independence groups vowed a campaign of civil disobedience to protect public buildings on the event of a crackdown by Madrid, which may involve the feared national riot police and even the army.        

 

The Spanish senate, where Prime Minister Rajoy's Popular Party holds an absolute majority, will vote on steps to depose Catalonia's secessionist government later this afternoon. It is expected to back his plans. 

There are fears the developments could lead to violence as Spain attempts to impose rule on the rebellious Catalonia region.