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Catalan crisis: Spain senate debates emergency powers Catalan crisis: Spain PM Rajoy demands direct rule
(about 1 hour later)
The Spanish senate is discussing a plan by the Madrid government to take over some of Catalonia's autonomous powers, amid an escalating crisis over the region's push for independence. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has called on senators to approve direct rule over Catalonia, amid an escalating crisis over the region's push for independence.
He said he wanted to dismiss Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his vice-president and all regional ministers.
Mr Rajoy's speech was met with applause in the Spanish senate, where his Partido Popular has a majority.
Earlier this month Catalonia held a disputed referendum on the issue.Earlier this month Catalonia held a disputed referendum on the issue.
The Senate is expected to pass the emergency measures, which include sacking the Catalan leader. Mr Rajoy said he was calling for exceptional measures because there was no other choice and said "law, democracy and stability" needed to be returned to Catalonia.
Meanwhile the regional parliament has been debating a possible declaration of independence. He accused the Catalan government of dividing families and fracturing society. Many people had already suffered too much, he said, and the uncertainty was driving businesses out of the region.
The debate began on Thursday, after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont failed to reveal a favoured course of action, and called on MPs to decide on a response. "The thing that Catalans need protecting from is not what they're calling Spanish imperialism, but a minority who, in an intolerant way, declare themselves the owners of Catalonia and consider as exclusive a history, culture and feelings that are the heritage of the community," he said.
Article 155 of the Spanish constitution empowers the government to take "all measures necessary to compel" a region in case of a crisis.
It would enable Madrid to take control of Catalonia's finances, police and public media.
The Senate is expected to back his proposals, which also have the support of opposition parties. The Catalan parliament could respond by declaring independence unilaterally.
However both bodies have allowed for further debate on Saturday.
What is the Catalan parliament debating?
On Thursday the Catalan parliament began discussions over a possible declaration of independence.
It came after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont failed to reveal a favoured course of action, and called on MPs to decide on a response.
Mr Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence following the 1 October vote, but immediately halted implementation and called for negotiations between Catalonia and the Spanish government.Mr Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence following the 1 October vote, but immediately halted implementation and called for negotiations between Catalonia and the Spanish government.
The Catalan government said that of the 43% who took part in the referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.The Catalan government said that of the 43% who took part in the referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.
However, the Constitutional Court ruled it was illegal. But the Constitutional Court ruled it was illegal.
How did Thursday's debate unfold?
During Thursday's Catalan parliamentary session, a government spokesman said a proposal to implement the results of a referendum on independence would be submitted to lawmakers on Friday.During Thursday's Catalan parliamentary session, a government spokesman said a proposal to implement the results of a referendum on independence would be submitted to lawmakers on Friday.
Hard-line separatists continued their calls for an official declaration of independence. Hardline separatists continued their calls for an official declaration of independence.
"We will continue on the path to a Catalan republic," an MP for the far-left CUP, which provides key support for the pro-independence governing coalition, said. "We will continue on the path to a Catalan republic," said an MP for the far-left CUP, which provides key support for the pro-independence governing coalition.
But Ines Arrimadas, leader of the anti-independence Citizens's Party, accused Mr Puigdemont of missing countless opportunities to resolve the crisis through negotiation.But Ines Arrimadas, leader of the anti-independence Citizens's Party, accused Mr Puigdemont of missing countless opportunities to resolve the crisis through negotiation.
"You still have time to return to legality and call elections," she said."You still have time to return to legality and call elections," she said.
What will happen in the Spanish Senate on Friday?
The Senate is due to hold a vote on the government's plan to trigger Article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which empowers the government to take "all measures necessary to compel" a region in case of a crisis.
The article has never been used before.
Under the proposals announced by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy this week, Mr Puigdemont would be removed and new regional elections held. Madrid would take control of Catalonia's finances, police and public media.
Mr Rajoy's centre-right government has a majority in the Senate. The plan has also been approved by opposition parties.
Adding fuel to the fireAdding fuel to the fire
By Katya Adler, Europe Editor, BBC News in BarcelonaBy Katya Adler, Europe Editor, BBC News in Barcelona
Article 155 of Spain's 1978 constitution has never been used before in democratic Spain. And for good reason.Article 155 of Spain's 1978 constitution has never been used before in democratic Spain. And for good reason.
Spaniards call it their government's "nuclear option".Spaniards call it their government's "nuclear option".
But on Friday the Spanish Senate is expected to vote in favour of triggering Article 155 and stripping the region of Catalonia of its autonomous powers.But on Friday the Spanish Senate is expected to vote in favour of triggering Article 155 and stripping the region of Catalonia of its autonomous powers.
The move is the only way, the Spanish government insists, to calm the Catalan crisis.The move is the only way, the Spanish government insists, to calm the Catalan crisis.
But Catalan leaders say such a move will simply add fuel to the fire - making it more likely that Friday will be the day that they officially declare an independent Catalan republic.But Catalan leaders say such a move will simply add fuel to the fire - making it more likely that Friday will be the day that they officially declare an independent Catalan republic.
Friday's front page headline of Spain's Barcelona-based newspaper El Periodico tells the story. It reads: "Unilateral Declaration of Independence and Goodbye."Friday's front page headline of Spain's Barcelona-based newspaper El Periodico tells the story. It reads: "Unilateral Declaration of Independence and Goodbye."
More on the Catalan crisisMore on the Catalan crisis