Spanish Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out Suspension of Catalonia's Autonomy

Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, stated that he does not rule out the possibility of suspending and dismantling the autonomy of Catalonia if the activities and statements of the region's leaders regarding independence continue. In an interview with the newspaper 'El País' published on October 8, he responded to a question about the potential application of a part of the constitution to suspend Catalonia's autonomy, saying, 'I do not rule out any option.' He added, 'But I must do everything in its time... I would like the threats regarding the declaration of independence [from Catalonia] to stop as soon as possible.' The Prime Minister noted that the best situation is for Madrid not to have to resort to extreme options. Previously, the Minister of Justice of Spain had stated that if the Catalan parliament declares independence, the central government could suspend the activities of the regional government using a right established in the constitution. This refers to Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows the central government to suspend Catalonia's autonomy. These reactions, along with demonstrations, warnings, and threats from both sides, have occurred in recent weeks in connection with the referendum in Catalonia. The independence referendum took place despite strong opposition from Madrid, and Catalan leaders claimed that over 40% of eligible voters participated, with 90% of them wanting to separate from Spain. The central government of Spain argues that this referendum is illegal, citing the constitution enacted after the death of General Franco, the last dictator of Spain, in 1978. Mariano Rajoy had previously warned Carles Puigdemont, the President of the autonomous region of Catalonia, to stop his plans for a unilateral declaration of independence to 'avoid greater evils and unfortunate events.' Puigdemont stated last Thursday that he is not afraid of arrest and imprisonment. He had mentioned on October 3 that the region would declare independence in the coming days. A day before Rajoy's interview with El País, tens of thousands demonstrated in support of Spain's unity and against the separation of Catalonia in Madrid and Barcelona. In this context, there were strikes in Catalonia; 300,000 marched against police violence in Barcelona. The Catalan parliament's session on Monday was suspended by the Constitutional Court of Spain. There is a 'willingness' from both sides of the dispute in Spain to resolve the crisis.