Puigdemont may speak in Senate ahead of Article 155 vote
Monday, October 23, 2017 @ 3:45 PM
CATALUNYA regional president Carles Puigdemont is considering speaking in the Senate on Friday when its members vote on whether to trigger Article 155 of the Constitution, which would place the north-eastern territory under State rule.
With the reigning right-wing PP in a majority in the Senate, the vote is likely to be no more than a formality and would effectively – although not officially – see the end of Catalunya's autonomy, the first of Spain's 17 regions ever to lose its devolved powers.
Puigdemont has been called to appeal in the Senate this Thursday, the day before the vote, but will not be allowed to be present when it takes place.
He has not taken a decision on his possible appearance as yet.
Pro-secessionists in Catalunya believe the best response to the activating of Article 155 is to make a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI).
Spanish government opposition party, the PSOE, says the only way Article 155 can be avoided is if Puigdemont scraps the whole idea of independence, or with a fresh regional election.
As a result, Barcelona's mayoress – who is against independence but in favour of the people being allowed to vote in a legal, non-binding referendum – is considering breaking away from the PSOE, with whom she governs in coalition.
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