Catalonia could lose autonomy in just 3-5 days

(Baonghean.vn)- On October 19, the Spanish Prime Minister's Office announced that on October 21, the Spanish government will activate Article 155 of the Constitution, allowing Madrid to stop the political autonomy of the Catalan region.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont. Photo: AP

Spain has called a special cabinet meeting after Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said the region's legislature could vote on a formal declaration of independence if Spain's central government does not agree to talks.

With the activation of Article 155, the Catalan region could lose its autonomy in just three to five days.

Catalan President Puigdemont said on the same day that the region's parliament could vote on a formal declaration of independence from Spain if the central government fails to hold talks with Catalonia and ignores a deadline to suspend a secession attempt.

In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Marian Rajoy, President Puigdemont stated: "If the government continues to obstruct dialogue and repress, at the appropriate time the Catalan parliament can vote on an official declaration of independence."

This letter was published by Mr. Puigdemont just a few minutes before the deadline set by Madrid at 10am local time (ie 3pm Hanoi time)./.

Lan Ha

(According to Strait Times)