Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Wednesday took the first step towards activating Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which will allow him to suspend Catalan political autonomy and take control of the region.
– The cabinet agreed to formally request the Catalan government to confirm whether or not it has declared independence, Rajoy said in a brief television address.
>>>Puigdemont Declared and Then ‘Suspended’ Catalonia’s Independence
– The response from the Catalan president will determine future events in the coming days, Rajoy said, adding that he would continue to act in a “cautious and responsible” manner.
This formal request is necessary to activate Article 155 of the Constitution, which does not specify any deadline for receiving a response.
Under pressure from all sides, including Europe, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont on Tuesday promised to turn the Spanish province into an independent “republic,” while simultaneously delaying the implementation of the decision to seek a “negotiated solution” with Madrid.
