MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont will not appear in the Spanish Senate on October 26 to explain his stance on the application of Article 155 of the country’s constitution, envisaging suspension of some of Catalonia's autonomy, according to the El Pais newspaper.
Puigdemont has already failed to clarify Catalonia's status after the independence referendum by October 16, as the Spanish government initially requested. Amid this uncertainty, Madrid has invoked Article 155 of the country's Constitution, which allows Spain to dissolve the local parliament and to hold a regional election.
READ MORE: Catalan Authorities Not Planning to Hold Regional Election Despite Madrid's Move
The Catalan leader has called Madrid's decision an attack on democracy and accused Spanish King Felipe VI of supporting the "aggressive acts" of the government in Madrid, which is limiting the autonomous region's rights. He also called for a meeting of Catalonia's parliament to discuss measures that could be taken in response to the Spanish government's decision.
On October 24, the Catalan authorities voiced their plans to appeal the Spain's decision to invoke the Article 155, vowing to use "all legal possibilities."
READ MORE: Catalonia Vows to Appeal Invoking of Article 155 in Constitutional Court
According to Spanish media, the Catalan authorities consider two options regarding the decision, which can be taken by the regional parliament — the proclamation of independence or the announcement of early elections.
Catalan businessmen applaud Carles Puigdemont the president of #Catalonia expressing explicit support to him. pic.twitter.com/6Hp63IAXcG
— obaltaf (@oBaltaF) 24 октября 2017 г.
