Reuters: Spain gives Catalan leader eight days to drop independence
MADRID/BARCELONA (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Wednesday gave the Catalan government eight days to drop an independence bid, failing which he would suspend the Catalonia’s political autonomy and rule the region directly.
His move could deepen the confrontation between Madrid and the northeastern region but also signals a way out of Spain’s biggest political crisis since a failed military coup in 1981.
Rajoy would probably call a snap regional election after activating Article 155 of the constitution that would allow him to sack the Catalan regional government.
Puigdemont issued a symbolic declaration of independence from Spain on Tuesday night but then immediately suspended it and called for negotiations with the Madrid government.
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WNU Editor: Catalan officials want to engage in talks .... the Spanish government responds by saying "stuff-it", and you have 8 days to drop its independence bid. This is not going to end well.
More News On Spain Giving Catalonia 8 Days To Drop Its Independence Bid
The Latest: Catalan official urges Spain PM to accept talks -- AP
Catalonia: Spain issues deadline to separatists -- BBC
Spanish PM gives Catalonia 8 days to drop independence bid -- The National
Spanish PM gives Catalonia eight days to drop independence bid or risk losing autonomy -- SCMP/Bloomberg
Catalonia given until Monday to clarify whether it has declared independence -- Press Association
Spain's prime minister hints at imposition of direct rule if Catalonia presses independence bid -- L.A. Times
Spain’s PM seeks clarity from Catalonia on independence -- AP
Spanish PM moves towards suspending Catalonia's political autonomy -- ABC News Online
Madrid Prepares to Impose Direct Rule on Catalonia -- VOA
Inside His Palace, Catalan President Puzzled Over How to Avoid Checkmate -- Esteban Duarte and Ben Sills, Bloomberg
Catalans are bewildered. What exactly is a ‘republic in suspension’? -- Francesc Badia i Dalmases, The Guardian
