How Madrid plans to take control in Catalonia

Article 155 of Spain’s constitution gives Madrid power to “take all measures necessary” to bring a rogue region into line. The Speaker of Catalonia’s parliament has called the measures a “de facto coup d’etat”

Parliament of Catalunya building in Barcelona

GOVERNMENT
Madrid plans to remove Catalonia’s President Carles Puigdemont and entire cabinet. Central government ministers will take over regional administration

PARLIAMENT

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has power to dissolve Catalan parliament and call regional elections

Ballot to be held within six months of direct rule coming into force

Madrid would remain in charge until new Catalan government is formed

PUBLIC MEDIA

Catalan public television TV3 and radio station Catalunya Ràdio will come under central control to ensure information transmitted is “true, objective and balanced”

POLICE

New administrators will take control of 17,000-strong Catalan police – Mossos d’Esquadra. Officers may be replaced by national police if deemed necessary

Catalan police chief, Josep Lluís Trapero (above right), who is under investigation for sedition, may be removed

FINANCES

Central government has already increased control over regional finances to block use of state funds to organize secession bid, and started paying directly for essential services. Under new proposal, Madrid keeps financial control

Source: Spanish government
Pictures: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS