Following the Spanish Senate's resolution to counter the Catalonia authorities' decision for independence, Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, on Friday, November 5, issued a decree to dissolve the Catalonia Parliament and to hold elections in the region on December 21. According to Reuters, the Prime Minister dismissed Carles Puigdemont, the head of the Catalonia local government, and the police chief of the region. With these actions, the central government now takes control of Catalonia. Mariano Rajoy stated that Spain is going through a bitter day. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is essential to listen to the demands of the citizens of Catalonia, allowing them to decide about their future, and that no one can make decisions for them illegally. Reports indicate that thousands gathered in front of the Catalonia Parliament in Barcelona simultaneously with the Prime Minister's statements. The independence referendum in Catalonia on October 1 led Spain into one of its deepest political crises since the 1970s, following the restoration of democracy in the country. This referendum prompted a reaction from the Spanish government, with the Spanish Constitutional Court declaring it illegal, and the central government stating it would not accept the results of the referendum. With the reciprocal actions of the local government and the central government on Friday, the crisis over the Catalonia referendum entered a new phase. The regional parliament of Catalonia voted for independence from Spain, defying the central government's order. Following this action, the Spanish Senate also approved a plan to impose direct governance from Madrid over Catalonia. The central government's position did not change following the independence referendum, nor did the Catalonia authorities retreat from their demands. In this situation, Mariano Rajoy asked the Spanish Senate on Friday to approve his plan to dissolve the Catalonia Parliament and hold new elections under Article 155 of the country's Constitution. Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which grants such authority to the central government, had never been implemented before. Several European countries, including France and Germany, along with the United States, opposed the declaration of independence by Catalonia and called for the preservation of Spain's unity.
Spanish Prime Minister Dissolves Catalonia Government; Elections to be Held in December
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Catalonia government and called for new elections following a controversial independence referendum. This move is part of a broader political crisis in Spain regarding Catalonia's push for independence, which has drawn international attention and opposition.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Catalonia government and called for new elections following a controversial independence referendum. This decision escalates the political crisis surrounding Catalonia's push for independence.
- The Catalonia Parliament was dissolved under Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution.
- The independence referendum held on October 1 was declared illegal by the Spanish Constitutional Court.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Catalonia has a long history of seeking independence from Spain, with recent efforts culminating in a controversial referendum that the Spanish government deemed illegal.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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