Tough Times ahead as Catalonia secedes from Spain
The Catalonian parliament voted to declare independence from Spain Friday after the national government threatened to take control of the region. At least 68 out of 82 members of parliament needed to back the resolution for it to be valid according to regional rules. The declaration passed in a 70-10 vote with two abstentions. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy urged citizens to remain calm, writing on Twitter:
“I ask all Spanish people to remain calm. The Rule of Law will reinstate legality in Catalonia.”
Madrid voted in favour of triggering Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution to take control of Catalonia after Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy accused Catalonian separatists of "mocking democracy". Taking the unprecedented step of imposing direct rule from Madrid, Mr Rajoy said the "situation is exceptional". The Prime Minister said: "Article 155 is not against Catalonia but to prevent the abuse of Catalonia."
