After its announcement by central government in Madrid, Catalan regional government accused Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of totalitarianism. Catalonia's head of government Carles Puigdemont described plans of central government of Madrid in a television address in evening as a "coup" and an "unacceptable attack on democracy". It was "worst attack" against Catalonia since dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975), said Puigdemont furr and added: "The discontinuation of a democratically elected government is incompatible with a constitutional state."

Also Marta Rovira, secretary general of separatist party ERC, described announced action of central government as a "coup d'état". It was designed to break down Catalonia's self-determination and aspirations for a secession of Spain, she declared. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, also practised criticism. The steps of Madrid are "a serious attack" on regional autonomy of Catalonia.

Catalonia's vice-president, Oriol Junqueras, stated that he would go on streets in Barcelona toger with his followers against conduct of Madrid leadership. "Let us today more than ever defend democracy and civil and political rights," he wrote on Twitter.

Spain-Rajoy heads out of Catalan government Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced discontinuation of Catalan regional government. There should be a choice of elections within six months. © Photo: Juan Carlos Hidalgo/Pool EFE/AP/DPA

In Barcelona, according to police, up to 450,000 followers of Catalan independence movement are demonstrating against Madrid government. Among or things, demonstrators called for release of two leading activists of separatist movement, Jordi Sad and Jordi Cuixart, who had been detained in remand for "Aufrührerischem behavior" at beginning of week.

Hundreds of companies leave Catalonia

Rajoy had previously announced application of article 155 of Spanish Constitution. With unprecedented measure, leadership in Madrid wants to prevent secession of prosperous region in norast of country. Rajoy explained that cabinet in Barcelona will be dismissed. There should be a choice of elections within six months. Since return of Spain to democracy about 40 years ago, a region has never been placed under administration of central government.

The measures still need to be approved by Spanish Senate. The vote will take place on Friday. Approval is considered safe because Rajoy conservative People's Party (PP) has a sufficient majority in second Chamber of Parliament.

"Our aim is to restore justice and to allow a normal coexistence of citizens," said Rajoy. It was also to hold elections "in normal circumstances". On 1 October, about 90 per cent of Catalans had expressed ir independence in a referendum. The Spanish Constitution does not allow this to happen. The vote was declared illegal in advance, police went hard against voters. The stake was only 43 percent, many opponents of a detachment from Spain remained at home.

Rajoy said latest statistics on Catalan economy are worrying. The economic power could decrease by up to 30 percent in case of independence. He asked companies to stay in region. Since referendum, hundreds of companies have withdrawn ir headquarters from Catalonia. They fear to regain independence outside European Union.

The Prime Minister stated that his Government did not want to take over power of government in Barcelona, but he was forced to do so. The separatists around Catalonia's head of government Puigdemont had a second ultimatum issued by central government. A clear answer was asked wher or not region declared itself independent.

Date Of Update: 22 October 2017, 12:02