Spain towards suspension of Catalonia autonomy

Mariano Rajoy has said his government has asked the regional government to clarify if it has declared independence.

This is the first step towards suspending Catalonia's autonomy under the constitution.

Catalon leaders have signed the declaration of independence on Tuesday, but have prolonged its implementation in order to create the possibility for talks.

The government in Madrid has given a five-day ultimatum to the Catalonian leader, Carles Puigdemont, to clarify whether he has declared independence or not.

If Puigdemont confirms the declaration of independence, he will have another three days to withdraw this statement, before the central government suspends the autonomy of this region and establishes direct rule under Article 155 of the constitution.