Catalonia's vice president raises tension day before autonomy deadline
A UN expert calls for a fresh referendum observed by the EU as Spain's senate prepares to debate the suspension of autonomy.
Thursday 26 October 2017 12:43, UK
Catalonia's vice president has heaped pressure on Madrid the day before a crucial deadline, saying there are "no other options" but independence.
Oriol Junqueras said his party would "work toward building a republic because we understand that there is a democratic mandate to establish such a republic".
The official, who is second in seniority behind the president of the normally autonomous region, insisted he was speaking only on behalf of his Republican Left party and not for the regional government.
He told AP: "The Spanish government is giving us no other option than to defend the civil rights and citizens' rights through the best tools that our institutions have."
On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced he was approving the implementation of the previously unused Article 155 of the country's constitution to assume control of the region to thwart secession attempts.
Catalan leader as the "worst attack against the institutions and the people of Catalonia since the military dictatorship of Francisco Franco".
Mr Rajoy's announcement came after Mr Puigdemont fell short of unilaterally declaring independence following a disputed referendum that backed separation but was declared illegal.
A Spanish senate debate to discuss Mr Rajoy's attempt to sack the regional government is scheduled for tomorrow but a spokesman for the regional government confirmed that Mr Puigdemont will not attend because Madrid had already announced its plans.
Mr Puigdemont remained defiant on social media on Wednesday, posting: "We will not lose time with those who have already decided to crush Catalan self-government. Onwards!"
Mr Junqueras also spoke about the pressure being put on the region's economy by central government after businesses, including the bank Caixaban, decided to transfer their legal base away from Barcelona.
He said: "There is no democracy that receives the attacks that we are receiving."
"It is such an abnormal situation, with such great aggressiveness that is creating an unusual scenario in Europe."
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It followed the regional government "welcoming" a statement by the United Nations (UN) independent expert Alfred de Zayas, who called for independent monitors to observe a new poll.
He said: "The only democratic solution to the current impasse is to suspend repressive measures and to organise a referendum so as to determine the true wishes of the population concerned.
"Such a referendum should be monitored by the EU, OSCE and private observers including the Carter Center."