Catalan government dissolved immediately after declaration of independence

Hours after Catalonia unilaterally declared independence, the Madrid government deposed the Catalan president and dissolved the region's parliament.

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Fireworks outside the Catalan government headquarters after the region's parliament approved the decision to declare independence from Spain - Photo: REUTERS

According to AFP news agency, on October 27, in the next development of a dramatic day in Spain, after Catalan parliamentarians voted to approve the declaration of an independent Catalan "republic", Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the government and parliament of this region and announced that on December 21, there will be new elections to choose a replacement team.

Accordingly, Mr. Rajoy announced the dismissal of President Carles Puigdemont, the regional police chief as well as Catalonia's diplomatic envoys in Madrid and Brussels, and said that central government ministries would take over Catalonia.

"Spain is going through a sad day," Mr Rajoy said. "We believe it is urgent to listen to the Catalan people, to listen to everyone, so that they can decide their future and no one can act illegally on their behalf."

Thousands of independence supporters gathered in Sant Jaume Square in front of the regional government headquarters in Barcelona as Mariano Rajoy spoke. Their earlier jubilation over the declaration of independence was apparently dampened by Rajoy.

Previously, in a clearly provocative move towards the central government, the Catalan parliament voted on the afternoon of October 27 to unilaterally declare the region an independent nation.

Despite the emotions and celebrations inside and outside the parliament building, Catalonia's declaration of independence was rendered meaningless when very soon after, the Spanish Senate approved the imposition of direct rule on the autonomous region.

Many European countries, including France and Germany, along with the United States, have opposed Catalonia's declaration of independence, expressing support for Prime Minister Rajoy in maintaining the country's unity.

Spain's political crisis has escalated to a potentially dangerous new level as independence supporters call for a no-holds-barred campaign against the central government.

"Tensions will certainly increase seriously in the coming days," AFP news agency quoted the assessment of risk analysis firm Teneo Intelligence.

"Protesters are likely to try to prevent police from removing Catalan ministers from their posts… This would increase the risk of violent clashes," the firm's report analyzed.

According to Tuoi Tre