Spain warns this if Catalan leaders do not withdraw from independence

If separatist leader Carles Puigdemont does not provide a satisfying answer by 0800 on Thursday, he will provoke implementation of Article 155 of the constitution, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria has said.

This provision of the constitution that has never been used before would pave the way for Madrid to establish direct rule over the semianom region.

Using this provision could affect the escalation of the worst political crisis Spain has faced in decades.

Catalonia has held the independence referendum from Spain on 1 October.

Catalan leader Puigdemont opened the way for independence, as 90 per cent of those who participated in the referendum voted in favour of independence.