World

Catalan crisis: Regional MPs debate Spain takeover bid

October 26, 2017 4:48 pm

Backers and opponents of independence in Catalonia have clashed in parliament over the way forward as the Spanish government is set to reassert control.

The debate came a day before Spain’s Senate is expected to approve a plan to curtail some of the region’s autonomous powers following October’s referendum.

These include removing leader Carles Puigdemont and curtailing the parliament’s powers.

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It was decided under Article 155 of the constitution, which allows direct rule.

Mr Puigdemont declared independence after the 1 October referendum, which was ruled illegal by Spain’s Constitutional Court. But the Catalan leader immediately suspended implementation, calling for talks.

The Catalan government said that of the 43% who took part in the referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.