Global Geo-political Series: PM Rajoy to hold cabinet meeting after Catalan leader signs declaration of independence but suspends it for talks with Madrid

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold an emergency cabinet meeting today to decide on the future actions by the Madrid government to resolve the Catalonia independence crisis. The meeting comes after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont signed a declaration of Independence on Tuesday but suspended it from implementation as he called on the Madrid government for negotiations. Addressing the Catalan parliament in Barcelona, Mr Puigdemont said the autonomous region had won the right to be independent as a result of the vote. He called on International states and organization to recognize Catalonia’s independence. He added that he wants to de-escalate the situation but people’s will was to break away from Madrid government. He and other ministers then signed the Declaration of Independence but it is far from clear whether such declaration would have any legality even under international law.

On the other hand, Mr. Rajoy who issued several threats to Mr. Puigdemont, citing decades-old Catalan leader who ended up being executed over his independence bid has not ruled out drastic actions to resolve Catalonia crisis which includes invoking Article 155 that will put a constitutional end to Catalonia’s independence. However, his use of forceful tactics to prevent the vote on 1st October triggered an international outcry and criticism as more than 900 people were injured in police brutality. Mr. Rajoy has so far maintained his position that there will be no negotiations unless the call for independence is dropped.