This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41760832

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Catalan crisis: Puigdemont under pressure over independence bid Catalan crisis: Puigdemont under pressure over independence bid
(35 minutes later)
Pressure is rising on Catalonia's President Carles Puigdemont over his regional government's drive for independence from Spain.Pressure is rising on Catalonia's President Carles Puigdemont over his regional government's drive for independence from Spain.
He had been due to make a statement to clarify his position, but the move has been suspended, officials said.He had been due to make a statement to clarify his position, but the move has been suspended, officials said.
The Spanish government plans to strip the regional government and Mr Puigdemont of their powers.The Spanish government plans to strip the regional government and Mr Puigdemont of their powers.
Article 155 of the Spanish constitution lets Madrid take control of institutions, police and finances.Article 155 of the Spanish constitution lets Madrid take control of institutions, police and finances.
Mr Puigdemont declared independence after a banned referendum, then suspended it, asking for talks. Mr Puigdemont declared independence after a referendum on 1 October, which was ruled illegal by Spain's constitutional court. But the Catalan leader immediately suspended implementation, calling for talks.
The Spanish Senate is set to vote on the Article 155 measures on Friday. The Spanish Senate is set to vote on triggering Article 155 on Friday.
In a letter to Spain's Senate on Thursday, the Catalan leader - who is pro-independence - said that the Spanish government "would create an even more serious, extraordinary situation by seizing Catalonia's political autonomy". A much-anticipated statement from Mr Puigdemont was expected on Thursday. There has been speculation that he might suspend the drive for independence and call regional elections in a effort to avoid direct rule from Madrid.
But early on Thursday afternoon Catalan officials said the move had been suspended. They gave no details or explanations.
The Catalan government said that of the 43% who took part in the 1 October referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.