‘Catalonia needs to be QUIET’ Spanish PM threat to implement central government CONTROL

Mr Rajoy hinted at the activation of Article 155 of the Spanish constitution, a so-called nuclear option that would allow him to suspend Catalonia’s political autonomy and take over the region.

He demanded Regional president Carles Puigdemont confirm whether or not he has declared independence, as he threatened Catalonia with other measures. 

Speaking during a televised address, he said: “It is important to return to quietness and normality and that has to be done as soon as possible.

“The cabinet has agreed to require formally to the Catalan government to confirm whether it has declared or not independence. 

“The answer from the Catalan president will determine future events, in the next few days.”

He said the government would base its response on the answer that Catalonia gives, including any measures it might take to trigger article 155. 

This formal requirement is needed to trigger the article 155 though the constitution does not establish any specific time frame for the answer.

He said: “This call – ahead of any of the measures that the government may adopt under Article 155 of our constitution – seeks to offer citizens the clarity and security that a question of such importance requires. 

“There is an urgent need to put an end to the situation that Catalonia is going through – to return it to safety, tranquillity and calm and to do that as quickly as possible.” 

The Spanish PM said he wanted “remove the general confusion” as he urged the Catalan government to say whether it had declared independence or not. 

He said it was important for the government to “offer certainty to the Spanish and especially the Catalans” and said he would keep acting in a “cautious and responsible” way. 

Mr Rajoy was speaking after he held an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis. 

It comes after Regional president Carles Puigdemont announced he was to delay plans for Catalonia to become an independent state after a controversial referendum marred by violence. 

Mr Puigdemont said he wants to “follow the people’s will for Catalonia to become an independent state” in a major speech, but called for talks with the government in Madrid.

With thousands watching outside the Catalan parliament and millions watching across the world, Mr Puigdemont said: “The ballots say Yes to independence this is the will that I want to go forward with.

“At this historical moment as the president of Catalonia, I want to follow people’s will for Catalonia to become an independent state.”

His speech was largely focused on the violence during the referendum as the Catalan leader proposed further dialogue with the government in Madrid as the region works towards independence.