The Spanish government, which has given an ultimatum to the Catalonian government to withdraw their secession bid, has asserted that it would suspend the autonomy of the region if it fails to do what the central government has directed them to do.
In the October referendum, the majority of the Catalans voted in favour of the independence bid. Following the referendum, a state of unrest broke out in the country. The country witnessed several protests and demonstrations in the aftermath of the referendum. When the pro-independence leaders based in Catalonia mobilised the faction which supports the independence, the central government tactically used the anti-secession faction and police officials to eliminate the threat posed by the movement.
With both factions showing no interest to engage in any comprise talks, the solution is not visible at this moment.
The central authority of Spain has the power to suspend the autonomy of the region, which enjoys high autonomy at this moment compared to similar regions in the country. The Article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which has never been invoked, empowers the central government to impose the central administration rule in the region in the time of serious crisis.
At this juncture, it is not clear how will the Catalonian government react if the controversial article is invoked.
Vignesh. S. G
Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright