Spanish government meets to strip Catalonia of its self-government

An extraordinary Spanish government cabinet meeting is underway in Madrid to suspend Catalonia of its self-government. The Spanish president, Mariano Rajoy, and his ministers are expected to apply Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows Madrid to take direct control of an autonomous community if it considers that that community is endangering Spain's unity. The Spanish government has reached an agreement with the two main opposition parties, the Socialists (PSOE) and Ciudadanos (C's) to implement this decision, considered a "nuclear option".

Madrid’s cabinet has to agree on the specific measures to be taken regarding Catalonia. It is expected to announce its intentions to take over a few key administrations, including the territory’s presidency, police and television station. A Socialist spokeswoman, Carmen Calvo, confirmed this information on Friday. She said that seizing power of the public broadcaster is warranted on grounds of guaranteeing “neutrality.” They would like to call snap elections in Catalonia, directly from Madrid, in January 2018, although the Spanish president said on Friday that there is no time limit set for imposing direct rule over Catalonia.

Spanish newspaper 'El País' is reporting that Madrid has decided it intends to replace the full Catalan cabinet, including President Puigdemont and all his ministers. The Spanish government will hold a press conference after the meeting to explain the measures. The Spanish Senate has to then vote on them, as the law requires, probably on Friday October 27.