Madrid — Catalonia’s leader cannot solve its political crisis with Madrid just by calling regional elections, Spain’s justice minister says, dampening hopes of a quick-fix for a dispute that has rattled investors and fractured Spain. The Spanish government said it would impose direct rule on Catalonia from Friday to counter an illegal independence push, invoking never-before-used powers to fire the government of the region that is critical to the country’s economy. The Catalan parliament will meet on Thursday to agree on a response to Madrid, something many analysts said could pave the way for a formal declaration of independence. Secessionists in Catalonia said that an independence referendum held on October 1 — which drew a 43% turnout and was largely shunned by Catalans who wish to remain in Spain — had accorded them a mandate to claim statehood. Catalonia said on Monday it was confident all officials including police would defy attempts by Madrid to enforce direct rule, raising ...
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