CATALAN INDEPENDENCE
Spain moves to impose direct rule on Catalonia
The eurozone’s fourth-largest economy moves into uncharted political waters. Here is what could happen in the next few days
Madrid — Spain said on Thursday it would suspend the autonomy of the wealthy northeastern region of Catalonia over its bid to secede, pitching the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy into uncharted political waters. Barcelona, the capital of a region that produces a fifth of Spain’s economic output, is now heading for direct rule from Madrid for the first time in Spain’s 40 years of democracy. Here is what could happen in the next few days: Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold a cabinet meeting on Saturday at which he will trigger article 155 of the 1978 constitution, which allows the government to take control of any of the country’s 17 autonomous regions if they break the law. No national leader has ever activated this measure before, but Rajoy says its use is justified now because Catalonia has fallen foul of the law by pressing ahead with a bid for secession following a banned referendum on October 1. The legislation is vague but allows Madrid to sack the local administration an...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.