(Reuters photo)MADRID/BARCELONA: Spain is set impose direct rule in Catalonia on Friday, an unprecedented step that risks sparking unrest as secessionists call on the Catalan parliament to make a defiant declaration of independence. The crisis has divided Catalonia and caused deep resentment around Spain. The authorisation of the Senate, where Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's People's Party holds an absolute majority, is a necessary step for the government to impose direct rule. Mr Rajoy is then expected to hold a meeting of his cabinet to adopt the first measures to govern Catalonia directly. Mr Puigdemont made an ambiguous declaration of independence on Oct 10, which he immediately suspended to allow for talks with the government.

Source: Bangkok Post October 27, 2017 08:29 UTC