To the Point
Spain imposes direct rule after Catalan independence vote
The parliament of Catalonia declared independence from Spain this afternoon. Minutes later, the Spanish Senate granted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy unprecedented power to impose direct rule on the region.
The parliament of Catalonia declared independence from Spain this afternoon. Minutes later, the Spanish Senate granted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy unprecedented power to impose direct rule on the region. Madrid and Barcelona have been on a collision course, and tensions are higher than ever. Stephen Burgen, who is based in Barcelona and writing for the Guardian, looks at what the latest move will mean for Catalans, Spain and the EU.