Spain expected to impose direct rule in Catalonia

International Desk: The Spanish government is set to hold a special cabinet meeting to approve measures to take direct control over Catalonia.

The meeting comes almost three weeks after the region held an independence referendum, which was ruled illegal by the country's supreme court.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has refused to abandon independence, arguing that he has a mandate.

Spain's central government is now preparing to take back power.

The government is expected to trigger Article 155 of the constitution, which allows it to impose direct rule in a crisis. It has never before been invoked in democratic Spain.

Catalonia has a population of about 7.5 million and currently enjoys significant autonomy from Spain, including control over its own policing, education and healthcare.

On Saturday, the Spanish cabinet will discuss dissolving the region's government and holding elections in January, as well as other measures including taking control of the regional police force.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the measures were aimed at restoring the rule of law and had been agreed with Spain's opposition parties.

The steps will then be debated by a Senate committee before a final vote. Mr Rajoy's conservative Popular Party (PP) holds a majority in the Senate, meaning the proposals are likely to pass.

Source: Agencies



risingbd/Oct 21, 2017/Mukul