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Catalonia independence: Rajoy dissolves Catalan parliament Catalonia independence: Rajoy dissolves Catalan parliament
(35 minutes later)
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is dissolving the Catalan parliament and calling snap elections after MPs there voted to declare independence. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is dissolving the Catalan parliament and calling snap local elections after MPs there voted to declare independence.
Mr Rajoy said the unprecedented imposition of direct rule on Catalonia was essential to "recover normality".Mr Rajoy said the unprecedented imposition of direct rule on Catalonia was essential to "recover normality".
He is also firing Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet.He is also firing Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet.
The crisis began when Catalonia held an independence referendum, despite it being deemed illegal by the constitutional court. The crisis began when Catalan leaders held an independence referendum, defying a ruling by the Constitutional Court which had declared it illegal.
The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90% were in favour of independence. The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90% were in favour of independence. Others boycotted the vote after the court ruling.
What did the Spanish PM say?What did the Spanish PM say?
Mr Rajoy made his announcement following a frantic day of developments in the row over Catalan independence.
On Friday the Spanish Senate granted Mr Rajoy's government the power to impose direct rule on Catalonia, and after an emergency cabinet meeting Mr Rajoy spelled out what that would entail.On Friday the Spanish Senate granted Mr Rajoy's government the power to impose direct rule on Catalonia, and after an emergency cabinet meeting Mr Rajoy spelled out what that would entail.
"The president [Carles Puigdemont] had the opportunity to return to legality and to call elections," he said."The president [Carles Puigdemont] had the opportunity to return to legality and to call elections," he said.
"It is what the majority of the Catalonian people asked for - but he didn't want to do it. So the government of Spain is taking the necessary measures to return to legality.""It is what the majority of the Catalonian people asked for - but he didn't want to do it. So the government of Spain is taking the necessary measures to return to legality."
Elections are scheduled for 21 December. Mr Rajoy also announced the sacking of the Catalan police chief. Regional elections are scheduled for 21 December. Mr Rajoy also announced the sacking of the Catalan police chief.
What happened in the Catalan parliament?What happened in the Catalan parliament?
A motion declaring independence was approved on Friday with 70 in favour, 10 against, and two abstentions in the 135-seat chamber. Several opposition MPs boycotted the vote.A motion declaring independence was approved on Friday with 70 in favour, 10 against, and two abstentions in the 135-seat chamber. Several opposition MPs boycotted the vote.
Afterwards, thousands took to the streets in Barcelona to celebrate, and Spanish flags were removed from some regional government buildings.Afterwards, thousands took to the streets in Barcelona to celebrate, and Spanish flags were removed from some regional government buildings.
Separatists say the move means they no longer fall under Spanish jurisdiction.Separatists say the move means they no longer fall under Spanish jurisdiction.
But the Spanish Constitutional Court is likely to declare it illegal, while the EU, the US, the UK, Germany and France all expressed support for Spanish unity.But the Spanish Constitutional Court is likely to declare it illegal, while the EU, the US, the UK, Germany and France all expressed support for Spanish unity.
Meanwhile Spanish prosecutors say they will file charges of "rebellion" against Mr Puigdemont next week.
How did we get here?
After the 1 October referendum, Mr Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence but delayed implementation to allow talks with the Spanish government.
He ignored warnings by the Madrid government to cancel the move, prompting Mr Rajoy to first announce his plans to remove Catalan leaders and impose direct rule.
Catalonia is one of Spain's richest, most distinctive regions with a high degree of autonomy.
But many Catalans feel they pay more to Madrid than they get back, and there are historical grievances, too, in particular Catalonia's treatment under the dictatorship of General Franco.
Catalans are divided on the question of independence - an opinion poll earlier this year said 41% were in favour and 49% were opposed to independence.