MPs voting for independence to be held responsible, says Spanish minister

The Spanish Justice minister, Rafael Catalá, said that if a declaration of independence is voted on by Parliament, the Catalan president would not be the only one to have to assume “responsibility” for his actions. All lawmakers voting in favor of independence will also have to do so. "Having a say is not criminal, but approving or adopting agreements has a legal meaning and can lead to consequences," he warned in an interview.

Catalá stressed that Puigdemont's decision to appear before the Senate to explain himself is "a good way to find solutions" but also stated that Article 155 will be enforced even if the Catalan president calls for snap elections. "Problems are not only solved by calling elections," he said.

According to the Spanish justice minister, the Catalan president must say "explicitly" that he will comply with the laws, the Constitution and the judicial resolutions. Catalá also insisted that the enforcement of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution will be "moderate and gradual" and that not all measures will come into force "starting on the first day." Regarding the Catalan police, he said that it would be "unimaginable" that they do not accept the orders of the new leaders.