Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said a new regional election will be held in Catalonia on December 21

Spain sacks Catalan government after region declares independence

The snap election would be an attempt to break the deadlock with Madrid over independence

Catalan secessionists mull snap election

Should direct rule be imposed, it will be the first time in four decades of democracy that Madrid has invoked the constitutional right to take control of a region and rule it directly from Madrid

Spanish government meets to impose direct rule on Catalonia

Catalonia currently enjoys a wide degree of autonomy, including control over its policing, education, and healthcare

Spain expected to take back powers from Catalonia

Madrid warns the region that it will take control if it insists on breaking away

Clarify intentions by next week, Spain tells Catalan President