After deadline expiration, Spain moves to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy

Hours after the expiration of a deadline handed to Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont to drop a secession bid, authorities in Spain will enact Article 155 of the Constitution which allows Madrid to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy.

That much information was revealed in a statement issued by the Spanish prime minister’s office which also noted that the measure will be sent to the Senate for approval on Saturday.

Spanish government spokesperson Inigo Mendez de Vigo told reporters in Madrid: “Cabinet ministers will approve the [Article 155] measures on Saturday, which will be submitted to the Senate to protect the interests of the Spanish people – including the Catalans in Catalonia.

“The government will do everything in its power to put a brake on the economic deterioration in Catalonia caused by the actions of the present Catalonia president.”

According to reports, Puigdemont will press ahead on independence if Spain moves to take direct control with fears already being harboured that this may lead to civil unrest in Catalonia.

Recall that after a referendum on 1 October, Puigdemont signed an independence declaration but then suspended it, asking for dialogue.

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