The Catalan President, Carles Puigdemont says, the region will not accept Madrid’s plan for direct rule. He described it as the worst attack on Catalonia’s institutions since General Franco’s 1939-1975 dictatorship, under which regional autonomy was dissolved. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s plans include the removal of Catalonia’s leaders and curbs on its Parliament. An independence referendum went ahead on the 1st of this month, despite being banned by Spain’s Constitutional Court. Mr Puigdemont said the Spanish Government is acting against the democratic will of Catalans after refusing all offers of dialogue. He said he would call for a session of the Catalan Parliament to debate a response to Mr Rajoy’s plans. Addressing European citizens in English, he added that the EU’s founding values are at risk in Catalonia. Barcelona police said 450,000 people protested in the regional capital earlier on Saturday, with many chanting freedom and independence.
Source: AIR