River Plate battled back from a goal down to beat arch Argentine rivals Boca Juniors 3-1 after extra-time in the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg which was controversially played in Madrid after violence had seen the original game postponed.

Dario Benedetto put Boca ahead on at the end of a bruising first half at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

But River, who also came back twice in the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Boca's Bombonera stadium, levelled in the 68th minute through striker Lucas Pratto after a superb team move.

River were given a huge advantage when Boca midfielder Wilmar Barrios was sent off in the third minute of extra-time and seized it thanks to a sizzling strike from Colombia international Juan Fernando Quintero in the 109th minute.

Gonzalo Martinez sealed victory, 5-3 on aggregate, at the death with a tap in after Boca's entire team had poured forward in search of an equaliser, giving River a fourth Libertadores title and denying Boca a record-equalling seventh.

River's victory means they will represent South America in the Club World Cup that starts in the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 12.

The game was moved 10,000 kilometres away from River's Monumental stadium to Madrid as Boca's team bus had been ambushed before the originally scheduled game, leaving several Boca players injured from the impact of the smashed windows and from tear gas that had been fired by police.

It meant that instead of a home game with the exclusive presence of River supporters, Real Madrid's Bernabeu was equally-divided between fans of both sides, a highly unusual situation in the Copa Libertadores.

There was also a deep sense of irony at the fact a competition named in honour of the liberators of South America was to be played in the home of their former rulers.

Despite the controversy, a total of 10,000 fans made the long journey over from Argentina for the occasion, with the nation's considerable expatriate communities across Europe (250,000 reside in Spain alone) also flooding in to the Spanish capital, creating a carnival atmosphere that was mostly cordial.

Spanish police had mounted the biggest ever security operation for a football match in the country, deploying over 4,000 personnel including more than 2,000 police officers.

River Plate battled back from a goal down to beat arch Argentine rivals Boca Juniors 3-1 after extra-time in the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg which was controversially played in Madrid after violence had seen the original game postponed.

River Plate battled back from a goal down to beat arch Argentine rivals Boca Juniors 3-1 after extra-time in the rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg which was controversially played in Madrid after violence had seen the original game postponed. Dario Benedetto put Boca ahead on at the end of a bruising first half at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. But River, who also came back twice in the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Boca's Bombonera stadium, levelled in the 68th minute through striker Lucas Pratto after a superb team move. River were given a huge advantage when Boca midfielder Wilmar Barrios was sent off in the third minute of extra-time and seized it thanks to a sizzling strike from Colombia international Juan Fernando Quintero in the 109th minute. Gonzalo Martinez sealed victory, 5-3 on aggregate, at the death with a tap in after Boca's entire team had poured forward in search of an equaliser, giving River a fourth Libertadores title and denying Boca a record-equalling seventh. River's victory means they will represent South America in the Club World Cup that starts in the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 12. The game was moved 10,000 kilometres away from River's Monumental stadium to Madrid as Boca's team bus had been ambushed before the originally scheduled game, leaving several Boca players injured from the impact of the smashed windows and from tear gas that had been fired by police. It meant that instead of a home game with the exclusive presence of River supporters, Real Madrid's Bernabeu was equally-divided between fans of both sides, a highly unusual situation in the Copa Libertadores. There was also a deep sense of irony at the fact a competition named in honour of the liberators of South America was to be played in the home of their former rulers. Despite the controversy, a total of 10,000 fans made the long journey over from Argentina for the occasion, with the nation's considerable expatriate communities across Europe (250,000 reside in Spain alone) also flooding in to the Spanish capital, creating a carnival atmosphere that was mostly cordial. Spanish police had mounted the biggest ever security operation for a football match in the country, deploying over 4,000 personnel including more than 2,000 police officers.

River Plate snatch Libertadores glory over Boca in Madrid

What is behind the fierce rivalry between River Plate and Boca Juniors?

Boca Juniors landed in Madrid on Wednesday as they prepare to face fellow Argentine club and their biggest rivals River Plate in the Copa Libertadores final second leg amid the biggest security operation for a match the city has mounted.

A noisy caravan of around 5,000 Boca supporters accompanied the team bus in the early hours of the morning as it headed from their Bombonera stadium to Buenos Aires airport.

An estimated 10,000 fans in total from both teams are expected to travel from Argentina for the twice postponed and then relocated game now being played on Sunday at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium during a holiday weekend in Spain's capital.

With the potential arrival of tens of thousands more Argentines living in Europe, Spanish police have described it as the highest risk match in Madrid's history.

More than 2,500 officers are expected to be on duty for the 'Superclasico', one of the world's fiercest soccer rivalries. Police have also asked for support from Argentine security.

River Plate will leave Argentina at 1700 GMT and are set to land early on Thursday morning in Madrid.

Bus Attacked

The teams drew 2-2 in the first leg at Boca's ground but the second leg, originally scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires on Nov. 24, was twice postponed after River supporters attacked Boca's team bus outside the Monumental Stadium.

Boca players sustained injuries after rocks were thrown and at the bus and pepper spray was used. The South American soccer confederation (CONMEBOL) switched the match to Madrid after initially arranging for it to take place at River one day later.

Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana, one of the city's main roads, will be cut off from 9 am local time (0800 GMT) on Sunday as police divide the two groups of fans to prevent violence.

Supporters will arrive on club specific flights and be taken on buses to their respective fan zones after they arrive at Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas airport.

Although each of the finalists will get 25,000 tickets for the game, they are only permitted to sell 5,000 to supporters living in Argentina in a bid to stop the notoriously violent 'barra brava' ultras from travelling to the game.

Police have arrested one of the fans they said took part in the Nov. 24 attack and others have been identified and are being sought, Argentine law enforcement officials said on Wednesday.

River said they had suspended the man, who is a club member, and would seek to ban him from future matches.

Boca Juniors landed in Madrid on Wednesday as they prepare to face fellow Argentine club and their biggest rivals River Plate in the Copa Libertadores final second leg amid the biggest security operation for a match the city has mounted.

Boca Juniors landed in Madrid on Wednesday as they prepare to face fellow Argentine club and their biggest rivals River Plate in the Copa Libertadores final second leg amid the biggest security operation for a match the city has mounted. A noisy caravan of around 5,000 Boca supporters accompanied the team bus in the early hours of the morning as it headed from their Bombonera stadium to Buenos Aires airport. An estimated 10,000 fans in total from both teams are expected to travel from Argentina for the twice postponed and then relocated game now being played on Sunday at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium during a holiday weekend in Spain's capital. With the potential arrival of tens of thousands more Argentines living in Europe, Spanish police have described it as the highest risk match in Madrid's history. More than 2,500 officers are expected to be on duty for the 'Superclasico', one of the world's fiercest soccer rivalries. Police have also asked for support from Argentine security. River Plate will leave Argentina at 1700 GMT and are set to land early on Thursday morning in Madrid. Bus Attacked The teams drew 2-2 in the first leg at Boca's ground but the second leg, originally scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires on Nov. 24, was twice postponed after River supporters attacked Boca's team bus outside the Monumental Stadium. Boca players sustained injuries after rocks were thrown and at the bus and pepper spray was used. The South American soccer confederation (CONMEBOL) switched the match to Madrid after initially arranging for it to take place at River one day later. Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana, one of the city's main roads, will be cut off from 9 am local time (0800 GMT) on Sunday as police divide the two groups of fans to prevent violence. Supporters will arrive on club specific flights and be taken on buses to their respective fan zones after they arrive at Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas airport. Although each of the finalists will get 25,000 tickets for the game, they are only permitted to sell 5,000 to supporters living in Argentina in a bid to stop the notoriously violent 'barra brava' ultras from travelling to the game. Police have arrested one of the fans they said took part in the Nov. 24 attack and others have been identified and are being sought, Argentine law enforcement officials said on Wednesday. River said they had suspended the man, who is a club member, and would seek to ban him from future matches.

Boca Juniors land in Madrid amid tight security for Libertadores

The postponed Copa Libertadores final second leg between Argentine clubs River Plate and Boca Juniors will be played at Real Madrid's stadium on December the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Thursday.

The match, originally scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires last Saturday but <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/libertadores-final-postponed-after-boca-bus-attacked-players-hurt-179328">postponed</a> after Boca players were hurt when River supporters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/riots-break-out-in-argentina-after-boca-juniors-bus-is-attacked-179326">attacked their coach</a>, will take place in the Spanish capital on Sunday, December 9 at 8:30 pm (1930 GMT).

"The decision is that this game is going to be played in front of fans from both clubs in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium," CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said.

"(Madrid) is not only one of the safest cities in the world, the Santiago Bernabeu is an elite stadium that offers the highest standards of security and comfort for an encounter of this magnitude."

This year was the first time that Argentina's two biggest teams had met in the final of South America's equivalent of the Champions League and as usual away supporters were banned from both legs because of recurring fan violence.

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The clubs drew the first leg 2-2 at Boca's ground in Buenos Aires and were due to play the second match across town at River's Monumental stadium last Saturday.

Boca players sustained injuries, however, when River fans attacked their coach as it approached the stadium and the game was first delayed until Sunday before being postponed indefinitely.

A CONMEBOL tribunal on Thursday also ruled against Boca's appeal to be awarded the match because of the violence but River were fined $400,000 and ordered to play their next two matches in continental competition behind closed doors.

Boca Juniors said it rejected the tribunal's decision and would appeal.

The violent incidents outside the Monumental were beamed around the world, embarrassing Argentina days before this weekend's G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The task will now fall on Spanish authorities to ensure the game between two of the bitterest rivals in sport goes ahead peacefully at the 81,044-capacity Bernabeu.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter that his government were ready to host the match and were already working with law enforcement authorities to ensure security for the event.

Qatar, Miami, and stadiums in Brazil and Colombia were among the other possible venues discussed for the biggest game in the 58-year history of the Libertadores Cup.

Spain's position as a footballing hotbed with excellent flight connections to Latin America swung the decision in Madrid's favour, however.

"The world is asking for an example of chivalry, sportsmanship and sporting values," Dominguez said.

"Football is not about violence."

The winners of the final will have little time to celebrate before representing CONMEBOL in the Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The tournament kicks off three days after the rescheduled second leg on December 12 with the South American champions due to play their first match on December 18.

The postponed Copa Libertadores final second leg between Argentine clubs River Plate and Boca Juniors will be played at Real Madrid's stadium on December the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Thursday.

The postponed Copa Libertadores final second leg between Argentine clubs River Plate and Boca Juniors will be played at Real Madrid's stadium on December the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Thursday. The match, originally scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires last Saturday but postponed after Boca players were hurt when River supporters attacked their coach, will take place in the Spanish capital on Sunday, December 9 at 8:30 pm (1930 GMT). "The decision is that this game is going to be played in front of fans from both clubs in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium," CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said. "(Madrid) is not only one of the safest cities in the world, the Santiago Bernabeu is an elite stadium that offers the highest standards of security and comfort for an encounter of this magnitude." This year was the first time that Argentina's two biggest teams had met in the final of South America's equivalent of the Champions League and as usual away supporters were banned from both legs because of recurring fan violence. × The clubs drew the first leg 2-2 at Boca's ground in Buenos Aires and were due to play the second match across town at River's Monumental stadium last Saturday. Boca players sustained injuries, however, when River fans attacked their coach as it approached the stadium and the game was first delayed until Sunday before being postponed indefinitely. A CONMEBOL tribunal on Thursday also ruled against Boca's appeal to be awarded the match because of the violence but River were fined $400,000 and ordered to play their next two matches in continental competition behind closed doors. Boca Juniors said it rejected the tribunal's decision and would appeal. The violent incidents outside the Monumental were beamed around the world, embarrassing Argentina days before this weekend's G20 summit in Buenos Aires. The task will now fall on Spanish authorities to ensure the game between two of the bitterest rivals in sport goes ahead peacefully at the 81,044-capacity Bernabeu. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter that his government were ready to host the match and were already working with law enforcement authorities to ensure security for the event. Qatar, Miami, and stadiums in Brazil and Colombia were among the other possible venues discussed for the biggest game in the 58-year history of the Libertadores Cup. Spain's position as a footballing hotbed with excellent flight connections to Latin America swung the decision in Madrid's favour, however. "The world is asking for an example of chivalry, sportsmanship and sporting values," Dominguez said. "Football is not about violence." The winners of the final will have little time to celebrate before representing CONMEBOL in the Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament kicks off three days after the rescheduled second leg on December 12 with the South American champions due to play their first match on December 18.

Postponed Libertadores final to be played in Madrid

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=real+madrid">Real Madrid</a> coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/real-end-winless-run-against-plzen-but-doubts-remain-173133">win over Viktoria Plzen</a> on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Madrid travel to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, looking to continue a revival that has included three wins out of three since Solari took temporary charge.&nbsp;

As the team's form fell away under Julen Lopetegui, so did Bale's, the winger following up a strong start to the season with just one goal in eight games.

An adductor injury contributed to Bale's dry patch but he was excellent against Plzen in the Champions League, scoring one and setting up another for Karim Benzema in the 5-0 victory.

"I like him everywhere," Solari said on Saturday. "What Bale has to do is eat the stage every time he plays, just like he did against Viktoria Plzen."&nbsp;

Solari's time allowed as an interim coach will expire over the international break, meaning this weekend's match against Celta is his final audition for a longer stay in charge.&nbsp;

A fourth consecutive win is likely to earn him the job, at least until the end of the season, particularly given the lack of obvious alternatives available.&nbsp;

Solari played down the game's significance on his future. "Each game is final for many reasons," Solari said. "If you lose points you cannot recover. I just focus on the next game. Longer-term work is outside my role.&nbsp;

"My role is to think about facing the next match with maximum concentration."&nbsp;

One player to have lost out under Solari is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who had been picked in the Champions League under Lopetegui while Thibaut Courtois played in La Liga. Solari, however, has plumped for Courtois in both competitions so far.

"Keylor is a strong man," Solari said. "He has behaved perfectly. He is a very well-respected player in the dressing room."&nbsp;

Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are all out injured meaning Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon are likely to continue against Celta at full-back, with Nacho in central defence.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their win over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to "eat the stage every time he plays" after he starred in their win over Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. Madrid travel to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, looking to continue a revival that has included three wins out of three since Solari took temporary charge. As the team's form fell away under Julen Lopetegui, so did Bale's, the winger following up a strong start to the season with just one goal in eight games. An adductor injury contributed to Bale's dry patch but he was excellent against Plzen in the Champions League, scoring one and setting up another for Karim Benzema in the 5-0 victory. "I like him everywhere," Solari said on Saturday. "What Bale has to do is eat the stage every time he plays, just like he did against Viktoria Plzen." Solari's time allowed as an interim coach will expire over the international break, meaning this weekend's match against Celta is his final audition for a longer stay in charge. A fourth consecutive win is likely to earn him the job, at least until the end of the season, particularly given the lack of obvious alternatives available. Solari played down the game's significance on his future. "Each game is final for many reasons," Solari said. "If you lose points you cannot recover. I just focus on the next game. Longer-term work is outside my role. "My role is to think about facing the next match with maximum concentration." One player to have lost out under Solari is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who had been picked in the Champions League under Lopetegui while Thibaut Courtois played in La Liga. Solari, however, has plumped for Courtois in both competitions so far. "Keylor is a strong man," Solari said. "He has behaved perfectly. He is a very well-respected player in the dressing room." Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are all out injured meaning Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon are likely to continue against Celta at full-back, with Nacho in central defence.

Solari urges Bale to 'eat stage every time' as decision time approaches for Madrid

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Almudena Roman Catholic Cathedral in central Madrid on Thursday to demonstrate against any plans to bury the remains of former dictator Francisco Franco at the site.

Families of the tens of thousands of his opponents who were killed or imprisoned during his near four-decade rule oppose his burial at such an emblematic site.

Spanish lawmakers voted in September to remove the remains of Franco from a mausoleum where tens of thousands of victims of the 1936-39 civil war that brought him to power are also laid to rest.&nbsp;

It is still not known where his remains will be transferred to. But the Franco family has a crypt at the cathedral and Franco`s daughter is buried there.

People chanted `Criminal out of the cathedral` and carried placards reading `Madrid: Without Franco` and `Justice!`

"I would chuck him in a ditch," said 74-year-old protestor Gorgonio Ferrero outside the cathedral. "But not (buried) here."

The plans to move Franco`s remains have divided Spanish society. Several of his descendants have expressed opposition to the exhumation.&nbsp;

The Francisco Franco Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the memory of the former dictator, has said that his remains should be given a Christian burial at the Madrid cathedral.&nbsp;

The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hopes the exhumation will help settle grievances from the period of his rule that still cast a shadow over the country. As many as 500,000 combatants and civilians died in the Spanish civil war.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Almudena Roman Catholic Cathedral in central Madrid on Thursday to demonstrate against any plans to bury the remains of former dictator Francisco Franco at the site.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Almudena Roman Catholic Cathedral in central Madrid on Thursday to demonstrate against any plans to bury the remains of former dictator Francisco Franco at the site. Families of the tens of thousands of his opponents who were killed or imprisoned during his near four-decade rule oppose his burial at such an emblematic site. Spanish lawmakers voted in September to remove the remains of Franco from a mausoleum where tens of thousands of victims of the 1936-39 civil war that brought him to power are also laid to rest. It is still not known where his remains will be transferred to. But the Franco family has a crypt at the cathedral and Franco`s daughter is buried there. People chanted `Criminal out of the cathedral` and carried placards reading `Madrid: Without Franco` and `Justice!` "I would chuck him in a ditch," said 74-year-old protestor Gorgonio Ferrero outside the cathedral. "But not (buried) here." The plans to move Franco`s remains have divided Spanish society. Several of his descendants have expressed opposition to the exhumation. The Francisco Franco Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the memory of the former dictator, has said that his remains should be given a Christian burial at the Madrid cathedral. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hopes the exhumation will help settle grievances from the period of his rule that still cast a shadow over the country. As many as 500,000 combatants and civilians died in the Spanish civil war.

Thousands protest outside Madrid cathedral against Franco burial

When Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo in July, fans and local media alike all asked the same question: how do you replace him?

Ronaldo was Real's all-time top scorer, notching up 451 goals in 438 games in all competitions. He led the club to four Champions League titles from the last five available and was invariably the man who dug his side out of a hole with a goal from nothing just when they most needed a hero.

The message from inside the club, however, was that they did not need to make a ‘Galactico’ splash in the transfer market, and that the answer lay within the team already.

Gareth Bale, signed in 2013 for a then world-record $109.12 million&nbsp;from Tottenham Hotspur following an extended public courting, had long been marked out by Real president Florentino Perez as the man to take over from Ronaldo.

It was also suggested that French forward Karim Benzema would be freed from the shackles many perceived the Portuguese had placed on him and finally be able to play as a central striker.

Then there was Marco Asensio. The 22-year-old is arguably the hottest prospect in Spanish football and he was earmarked for a place in the front three. Goodbye to the ‘BBC’ (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano) trident, hello to the ‘BBA’.

Things started well. Real enjoyed four wins and a draw from their first five La Liga games, with the trio netting eight of the 12 goals scored, while Roma were swatted aside in their Champions League group-stage opener. Bale looked the business, while Benzema threatened to become a goal-scoring machine.

However, following September’s 1-0 win over Espanyol, Real had five games without a win – a run in which they went eight hours and one minute without scoring.

While youngster Asensio can be forgiven for having his ups and downs, Bale picked up one of the many injuries that have blighted his time in the Spanish capital and Benzema looked the shadow of a striker capable of leading the line for the European champions.

It was the kind of thing that never happened when Ronaldo was at the club. It is no coincidence that Real have endured their most barren run in terms of victories and goals since just before the Portuguese joined the club in 2009.

They have slipped to seventh in La Liga, behind newly-promoted Valladolid, and the pressure is mounting on new coach Julen Lopetegui, who when he took over the club would have envisaged Ronaldo being a key part of his squad.

With Sunday’s Clasico looming, the first for 11 years that will feature neither the Portuguese nor Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, the onus is on Real to prove that life after Ronaldo does exist. A defeat would only intensify the storm clouds brewing over the Bernabeu.

When Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo in July, fans and local media alike all asked the same question: how do you replace him? Ronaldo was Real's all-time top scorer, notching up 451 goals in 438 games in all competitions.

When Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo in July, fans and local media alike all asked the same question: how do you replace him? Ronaldo was Real's all-time top scorer, notching up 451 goals in 438 games in all competitions. He led the club to four Champions League titles from the last five available and was invariably the man who dug his side out of a hole with a goal from nothing just when they most needed a hero. The message from inside the club, however, was that they did not need to make a ‘Galactico’ splash in the transfer market, and that the answer lay within the team already. Gareth Bale, signed in 2013 for a then world-record $109.12 million from Tottenham Hotspur following an extended public courting, had long been marked out by Real president Florentino Perez as the man to take over from Ronaldo. It was also suggested that French forward Karim Benzema would be freed from the shackles many perceived the Portuguese had placed on him and finally be able to play as a central striker. Then there was Marco Asensio. The 22-year-old is arguably the hottest prospect in Spanish football and he was earmarked for a place in the front three. Goodbye to the ‘BBC’ (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano) trident, hello to the ‘BBA’. Things started well. Real enjoyed four wins and a draw from their first five La Liga games, with the trio netting eight of the 12 goals scored, while Roma were swatted aside in their Champions League group-stage opener. Bale looked the business, while Benzema threatened to become a goal-scoring machine. However, following September’s 1-0 win over Espanyol, Real had five games without a win – a run in which they went eight hours and one minute without scoring. While youngster Asensio can be forgiven for having his ups and downs, Bale picked up one of the many injuries that have blighted his time in the Spanish capital and Benzema looked the shadow of a striker capable of leading the line for the European champions. It was the kind of thing that never happened when Ronaldo was at the club. It is no coincidence that Real have endured their most barren run in terms of victories and goals since just before the Portuguese joined the club in 2009. They have slipped to seventh in La Liga, behind newly-promoted Valladolid, and the pressure is mounting on new coach Julen Lopetegui, who when he took over the club would have envisaged Ronaldo being a key part of his squad. With Sunday’s Clasico looming, the first for 11 years that will feature neither the Portuguese nor Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, the onus is on Real to prove that life after Ronaldo does exist. A defeat would only intensify the storm clouds brewing over the Bernabeu.

Replacing Ronaldo has proved tougher than Real Madrid expected

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo said that he doesn't want to compare his current club with Real Madrid as both the clubs are "fantastic".

"Well I don't want to compare Real Madrid with Juventus, they are both unbelievable teams, they are fantastic clubs," said Ronaldo while speaking in a press conference ahead of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-prepared-for-emotional-return-to-old-trafford-172943">Manchester United Champions League clash</a>.

The 33-year-old has spent nearly nine years at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League with the club after that he moved to the Italian side for €100m (£88.3m) fee in July 2018.

Ronaldo's bicycle kick goal for Real Madrid away to Juventus in April won UEFA's vote for the goal of the season.

He also said, "I did my journey at Real Madrid, now it's my new chapter at Juve, which for me is one of the best clubs in the world."

"So I'm glad, I'm glad to play here in Manchester, Real Madrid, now at Juve. I'm a happy man and lucky man too."

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Juventus - two-time European champions but not since 1996 - have reached two of the last four finals, and are among the favourites to go all the way this season.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo said that he doesn't want to compare his current club with Real Madrid as both the clubs are "fantastic". "Well I don't want to compare Real Madrid with Juventus, they are both unbelievable teams, they are fantastic clubs," said Ronaldo while speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester United Champions League clash.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo said that he doesn't want to compare his current club with Real Madrid as both the clubs are "fantastic". "Well I don't want to compare Real Madrid with Juventus, they are both unbelievable teams, they are fantastic clubs," said Ronaldo while speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester United Champions League clash. The 33-year-old has spent nearly nine years at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League with the club after that he moved to the Italian side for €100m (£88.3m) fee in July 2018. Ronaldo's bicycle kick goal for Real Madrid away to Juventus in April won UEFA's vote for the goal of the season. He also said, "I did my journey at Real Madrid, now it's my new chapter at Juve, which for me is one of the best clubs in the world." "So I'm glad, I'm glad to play here in Manchester, Real Madrid, now at Juve. I'm a happy man and lucky man too." × Juventus - two-time European champions but not since 1996 - have reached two of the last four finals, and are among the favourites to go all the way this season.

'Don't want to compare Real Madrid with Juventus,' says Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table.

Former national coach, Lopetegui has been at the Real helm for nine La Liga games, only four of which ended in victory for the club, and local media have reported rumours about his likely dismissal following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Levante.

A defiant Lopetegui, however, brushed off the reports and said there was still time to reverse the team's fortunes.

"If you're wanting to see a wounded coach, don't look over here," he told a news conference ahead of Real's Champions League tie with Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

"We're going to fight to turn this situation around. We know it's not the best but we've got time in which we can turn it round and we'll fight, starting with tomorrow's game," said Lopetegui, 52, who caused controversy for accepting the Real job on the eve of the World Cup and was fired by the Spanish FA.

Tension over the team's showing is also mounting on the players, and tempers flared at their Valdebebas training ground as captain Sergio Ramos reacted angrily to being hit on the nose from a ball by youngster Sergio Reguilon during training.

Ramos blasted a ball at the 21-year-old and had to be calmed down by Luka Modric before resuming the session.

Real are without a win in their last five games in all competitions, and their defeat to CSKA Moscow earlier this month means that they sit second in Group G in the Champions League, behind the Russians and level on points with third-placed Roma.

They may get some consolation from the end of a goal drought during Saturday's defeat, having set an unwanted club record of 465 minutes without scoring, something Lopetegui hopes to fix ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture away to Barcelona.

"There's a direct correlation with goals -- at both ends. It's what decides the games, even if you've been the better side. We need to be more efficient in that sense, but this will come with good play," he said.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Monday he would fight to turn the team's performance around as pressure mounted on him following a series of poor results that has sent Real down to seventh place in the La Liga table. Former national coach, Lopetegui has been at the Real helm for nine La Liga games, only four of which ended in victory for the club, and local media have reported rumours about his likely dismissal following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Levante. A defiant Lopetegui, however, brushed off the reports and said there was still time to reverse the team's fortunes. "If you're wanting to see a wounded coach, don't look over here," he told a news conference ahead of Real's Champions League tie with Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday. "We're going to fight to turn this situation around. We know it's not the best but we've got time in which we can turn it round and we'll fight, starting with tomorrow's game," said Lopetegui, 52, who caused controversy for accepting the Real job on the eve of the World Cup and was fired by the Spanish FA. Tension over the team's showing is also mounting on the players, and tempers flared at their Valdebebas training ground as captain Sergio Ramos reacted angrily to being hit on the nose from a ball by youngster Sergio Reguilon during training. Ramos blasted a ball at the 21-year-old and had to be calmed down by Luka Modric before resuming the session. Real are without a win in their last five games in all competitions, and their defeat to CSKA Moscow earlier this month means that they sit second in Group G in the Champions League, behind the Russians and level on points with third-placed Roma. They may get some consolation from the end of a goal drought during Saturday's defeat, having set an unwanted club record of 465 minutes without scoring, something Lopetegui hopes to fix ahead of this weekend's Clasico fixture away to Barcelona. "There's a direct correlation with goals -- at both ends. It's what decides the games, even if you've been the better side. We need to be more efficient in that sense, but this will come with good play," he said.

Julen Lopetegui defiant as pressure mounts at Real

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Friday he is not worried about his position amid the club's worst goal drought in over a decade, pointing out that his side are joint top of La Liga.

Lopetegui, who signed for Real in June and was immediately sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the World Cup, has come in for heavy criticism after the team's 1-0 Champions League loss at CSKA Moscow, which followed a goalless draw with Atletico Madrid and a humbling 3-0 defeat at Sevilla in La Liga.

"We don't analyse what people might think," Lopetegui told a news conference when asked if his job was in danger.

"We are working every day on trying to improve. The club's objectives are still intact and nothing more.

"You have to respect all opinions but it's logical that at a club like Real Madrid you are always under heavy examination. But we will be judged by what we achieve by the end of the season."

Real, who are away to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday, have gone three games without scoring for the first time since the 2006/07 season, when they ended up winning the La Liga title on the final day of the campaign.

Lopetegui pointed out that despite his side's poor form, they are locked on 14 points with Barcelona, who lead the standings on goal difference.

"You are under maximum pressure at Real Madrid but we are fully focused," added Lopetegui.

"We are on the same number of points as the league leaders and I have no doubt that in the Champions League we'll return to the form we showed against AS Roma (who Real beat 3-0 in their opening game).

"Right now the focus is on Alaves, a team that are unbeaten in six games and who will oblige us to put in a huge performance if we want to win."

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Friday he is not worried about his position amid the club's worst goal drought in over a decade, pointing out that his side are joint top of La Liga.

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said on Friday he is not worried about his position amid the club's worst goal drought in over a decade, pointing out that his side are joint top of La Liga. Lopetegui, who signed for Real in June and was immediately sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the World Cup, has come in for heavy criticism after the team's 1-0 Champions League loss at CSKA Moscow, which followed a goalless draw with Atletico Madrid and a humbling 3-0 defeat at Sevilla in La Liga. "We don't analyse what people might think," Lopetegui told a news conference when asked if his job was in danger. "We are working every day on trying to improve. The club's objectives are still intact and nothing more. "You have to respect all opinions but it's logical that at a club like Real Madrid you are always under heavy examination. But we will be judged by what we achieve by the end of the season." Real, who are away to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday, have gone three games without scoring for the first time since the 2006/07 season, when they ended up winning the La Liga title on the final day of the campaign. Lopetegui pointed out that despite his side's poor form, they are locked on 14 points with Barcelona, who lead the standings on goal difference. "You are under maximum pressure at Real Madrid but we are fully focused," added Lopetegui. "We are on the same number of points as the league leaders and I have no doubt that in the Champions League we'll return to the form we showed against AS Roma (who Real beat 3-0 in their opening game). "Right now the focus is on Alaves, a team that are unbeaten in six games and who will oblige us to put in a huge performance if we want to win."

Real Madrid's coach Julen Lopetegui not fearing the sack

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane called a press conference on Thursday to announce that he has resigned from the post of Real Madrid's manager.

Zidane confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid this summer.

Twitter is overflowing with messages to bid farewell to one of the greatest Madrid's managers&nbsp;in history.&nbsp;

It was suspected that Zizou has called the press conference to tell the future of mentioned players but he gave a shocker instead.

Here are some Twitter reactions:

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Zidane: "My best time as Real Madrid coach was when we won La Liga, it was incredible. The worst moment was when we lost against Leganés in Copa del Rey." 
 
But according to Real Madrid fans, winning Champions League > Winning La Liga and Copa together. 
<a href="https://t.co/7J2aTejolD">pic.twitter.com/7J2aTejolD</a>
— Messi World (@MessiWorId) <a href="https://twitter.com/MessiWorId/status/1002151461680271360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid coach in two and a half year. (2016/2018) 
 
UEFA Champions League 
??? 
UEFA Super Cup 
?? 
Club World Cup 
??  
Spanish Super Cup 
? 
La Liga 
? 
 
True legend. ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/mEgjNXNS7n">pic.twitter.com/mEgjNXNS7n</a>
— ??????????  (@kakyuds) <a href="https://twitter.com/kakyuds/status/1002151419384741890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zidane's black magic was clearly wearing off as shown against Juve and Bayern. He's taking a break to recharge his black magic before coming back and winning 4 more UCL in a row
— Lewis (@wannbec) <a href="https://twitter.com/wannbec/status/1002151356856139777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Who should replace Zidane at Real Madrid? <a href="https://t.co/8foZ6I7ISD">pic.twitter.com/8foZ6I7ISD</a>
— Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) <a href="https://twitter.com/stadiumastro/status/1002151656937603072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The whole press room on their feet applauding Zidane as he leaves. Fuck, this hurts! ?
— SB (@Realmadridplace) <a href="https://twitter.com/Realmadridplace/status/1002152418891780097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zidane basically saying he's leaving because he doesn't see how he can keep the team winning next season. Incredibly rare and commendable honesty.
— Andy West (@andywest01) <a href="https://twitter.com/andywest01/status/1002151721886519296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Leave when the applause is loudest! Kudos Zidane!!! <a href="https://t.co/Zr46hKndGG">pic.twitter.com/Zr46hKndGG</a>
— Lexis Bill (@lexisbill) <a href="https://twitter.com/lexisbill/status/1002151752450404357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Someone convince this man to stay with us please ?? Zidane Quedate ? <a href="https://t.co/JebN5s04hB">pic.twitter.com/JebN5s04hB</a>
— Reyes de Europa¹³ (@imsask13) <a href="https://twitter.com/imsask13/status/1002150912658325505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zidane leaves the press conference room and Real Madrid. There are no words that can give you your due. Thank you mister we wish you as much happiness as you brought us Madridistas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GraciasZidane?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GraciasZidane</a> <a href="https://t.co/G65Pp6PlOm">pic.twitter.com/G65Pp6PlOm</a>
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridInfo/status/1002153010712268800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Zidane confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid this summer

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane called a press conference on Thursday to announce that he has resigned from the post of Real Madrid's manager. Zidane confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid this summer. Twitter is overflowing with messages to bid farewell to one of the greatest Madrid's managers in history. It was suspected that Zizou has called the press conference to tell the future of mentioned players but he gave a shocker instead. Here are some Twitter reactions: Zidane: "My best time as Real Madrid coach was when we won La Liga, it was incredible. The worst moment was when we lost against Leganés in Copa del Rey." But according to Real Madrid fans, winning Champions League > Winning La Liga and Copa together. pic.twitter.com/7J2aTejolD — Messi World (@MessiWorId) May 31, 2018 × Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid coach in two and a half year. (2016/2018) UEFA Champions League ??? UEFA Super Cup ?? Club World Cup ??  Spanish Super Cup ? La Liga ? True legend. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/mEgjNXNS7n — ??????????  (@kakyuds) May 31, 2018 × Zidane's black magic was clearly wearing off as shown against Juve and Bayern. He's taking a break to recharge his black magic before coming back and winning 4 more UCL in a row — Lewis (@wannbec) May 31, 2018 × Who should replace Zidane at Real Madrid? pic.twitter.com/8foZ6I7ISD — Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) May 31, 2018 × The whole press room on their feet applauding Zidane as he leaves. Fuck, this hurts! ? — SB (@Realmadridplace) May 31, 2018 × Zidane basically saying he's leaving because he doesn't see how he can keep the team winning next season. Incredibly rare and commendable honesty. — Andy West (@andywest01) May 31, 2018 × Leave when the applause is loudest! Kudos Zidane!!! pic.twitter.com/Zr46hKndGG — Lexis Bill (@lexisbill) May 31, 2018 × Someone convince this man to stay with us please ?? Zidane Quedate ? pic.twitter.com/JebN5s04hB — Reyes de Europa¹³ (@imsask13) May 31, 2018 × Zidane leaves the press conference room and Real Madrid. There are no words that can give you your due. Thank you mister we wish you as much happiness as you brought us Madridistas. #GraciasZidane pic.twitter.com/G65Pp6PlOm — Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) May 31, 2018 ×

Twitterati bids farewell to Real Madrid's coach Zinedine Zidane as he resigns

Roger Federer has reclaimed the number one position in the latest ATP rankings, after Rafael Nadal's surprise quarter-final exit at the Madrid Masters.&nbsp;

The strange part is, Federer returned to the top spot despite not having played since March. He’s did not participate in the clay-court season for a second consecutive season.

Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic slipped six places to 18th after his second-round defeat in Madrid.

Madrid winner Alexander Zverev remains third, but the man he beat in Sunday's final, Dominic Thiem, dropped a place to eighth despite knocking out Nadal on his way to facing Zverev.

The highest mover in the men's charts is Madrid semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov with the Russian teenager jumping 14 rungs to a best-ever 29th.

ATP rankings as of May 14:

1. Roger Federer (SUI) 8,670 pts (+1)

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,950 (-1)

3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,015

4. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,870

5. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,770

6. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,540

7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,660 (+1)

8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,545 (-1)

9. John Isner (USA) 3,305

10. David Goffin (BEL) 2,930

11. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2,280

12. Sam Querrey (USA) 2,220 (+1)

13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,210 (+1)

14. Jack Sock (USA) 2,155 (+1)

15. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2,130 (+1)

16. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1,995 (+2)

17. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 1,980

18. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1,905 (-6)

19. Kyle Edmund (ENG) 1,905 (+3)

20. Hyeon Chung (KOR) 1,807 (+1)

Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic slipped six places to 18th after his second-round defeat in Madrid

Roger Federer has reclaimed the number one position in the latest ATP rankings, after Rafael Nadal's surprise quarter-final exit at the Madrid Masters. The strange part is, Federer returned to the top spot despite not having played since March. He’s did not participate in the clay-court season for a second consecutive season. Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic slipped six places to 18th after his second-round defeat in Madrid. Madrid winner Alexander Zverev remains third, but the man he beat in Sunday's final, Dominic Thiem, dropped a place to eighth despite knocking out Nadal on his way to facing Zverev. The highest mover in the men's charts is Madrid semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov with the Russian teenager jumping 14 rungs to a best-ever 29th. ATP rankings as of May 14: 1. Roger Federer (SUI) 8,670 pts (+1) 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,950 (-1) 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,015 4. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,870 5. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,770 6. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,540 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,660 (+1) 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,545 (-1) 9. John Isner (USA) 3,305 10. David Goffin (BEL) 2,930 11. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2,280 12. Sam Querrey (USA) 2,220 (+1) 13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,210 (+1) 14. Jack Sock (USA) 2,155 (+1) 15. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2,130 (+1) 16. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1,995 (+2) 17. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 1,980 18. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1,905 (-6) 19. Kyle Edmund (ENG) 1,905 (+3) 20. Hyeon Chung (KOR) 1,807 (+1)

Despite sitting out since March, Roger Federer replaces Rafael Nadal as world No. 1

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said his side will look to attack Bayern Munich quickly in Tuesday`s Champions League semi-final second leg as they seek to remain on course for an unprecedented third consecutive European Cup.

Real hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg in Germany last week, however the Frenchman insists the job is nowhere near complete.

"The key for us is think about winning the game and go onto the pitch wanting to do that. We need to go out to score quickly and that`s what we`ll try to do," Zidane told a news conference.

"It`s a semi-final, we know how important it is and what we have to do. We don`t have to change what we`re doing.

"Our focus and determination will be there - we don`t need to change much - what we did in the first leg was good, but we now need to show in the return that what we want is to go through."

With regular right back Dani Carvajal missing with a hamstring problem, Zidane faces a selection headache given replacement Nacho has sat out the past month with a thigh injury.

Local media reports indicate winger Lucas Vazquez could be asked to deputise, however no decision will be made until Tuesday. Midfielder Isco is also a doubt following a shoulder problem.

"Nacho has been out, but trained a lot recently, and today he was with us and he`s ready to go in that respect," Zidane said. "We have time ahead of the game and we`ll think about what we`re going to do."

Real captain Sergio Ramos echoed the coach`s thoughts: "We got a good result over there, but we need to think that it`s still 0-0. We want to defend our title, and beat the Germans, too," he said.

"We`re making the impossible look easy. In the last four years we`ve won three Champions League titles. In such a small amount of time it`s a challenge for the squad to carry on breaking records."

Ramos, meanwhile, also said that his side would not give Barcelona a guard of honour in their league meeting next weekend despite the Catalan outfit securing the La Liga title on Sunday, as per the coach`s instructions.

"What Zidane says is gospel. We`re making too much fuss out of all this. Barca have the title, which is what they wanted, but there will be no guard of honour – full stop," he said.

"They want to enjoy their title and the same for us and ours, we need to eliminate the Germans and to reach another final."

Real hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg in Germany last week

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said his side will look to attack Bayern Munich quickly in Tuesday`s Champions League semi-final second leg as they seek to remain on course for an unprecedented third consecutive European Cup. Real hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg in Germany last week, however the Frenchman insists the job is nowhere near complete. "The key for us is think about winning the game and go onto the pitch wanting to do that. We need to go out to score quickly and that`s what we`ll try to do," Zidane told a news conference. "It`s a semi-final, we know how important it is and what we have to do. We don`t have to change what we`re doing. "Our focus and determination will be there - we don`t need to change much - what we did in the first leg was good, but we now need to show in the return that what we want is to go through." With regular right back Dani Carvajal missing with a hamstring problem, Zidane faces a selection headache given replacement Nacho has sat out the past month with a thigh injury. Local media reports indicate winger Lucas Vazquez could be asked to deputise, however no decision will be made until Tuesday. Midfielder Isco is also a doubt following a shoulder problem. "Nacho has been out, but trained a lot recently, and today he was with us and he`s ready to go in that respect," Zidane said. "We have time ahead of the game and we`ll think about what we`re going to do." Real captain Sergio Ramos echoed the coach`s thoughts: "We got a good result over there, but we need to think that it`s still 0-0. We want to defend our title, and beat the Germans, too," he said. "We`re making the impossible look easy. In the last four years we`ve won three Champions League titles. In such a small amount of time it`s a challenge for the squad to carry on breaking records." Ramos, meanwhile, also said that his side would not give Barcelona a guard of honour in their league meeting next weekend despite the Catalan outfit securing the La Liga title on Sunday, as per the coach`s instructions. "What Zidane says is gospel. We`re making too much fuss out of all this. Barca have the title, which is what they wanted, but there will be no guard of honour – full stop," he said. "They want to enjoy their title and the same for us and ours, we need to eliminate the Germans and to reach another final."

Champions League: We will attack Bayern, vows Real coach Zidane

Hundreds of people held a peaceful protest in central Madrid on Friday to demand better police treatment of street vendors, a day after the death of a Senegalese man sparked clashes with riot police.

Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday.&nbsp;

The protesters gathered in a square in the Lavapies district of the Spanish capital in the early evening on Thursday, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing bandanas as tensions remained high a day after violent clashes over the controversial death of a Senegalese street vendor.

On Thursday, 35-year-old Sengal street vendor Mame Mbaye Ndiaye suffered a heart attack in the street while walking away from police. Fellow vendors said police chased him through the streets, forcing him to run with his heavy merchandise wrapped in a sheet.

He died of cardiac arrest in a street close to his home in Lavapies some 15 to 20 minutes later.

That evening protesters threw stones and set dustbins alight in Madrid&rsquo;s Lavapies neighbourhood, home to many migrant communities and near to where Ndiaye died.

Friday&rsquo;s gathering in a square in Lavapies passed without violence. Protesters held signs reading slogans such as &ldquo;Enough of police harassment&rdquo; and chanted &ldquo;Police murderers&rdquo;.

Some shouted &quot;kill police&quot;, an AFP journalist heard. Marches were also held in Barcelona and Bilbao.

The city hall announced a full investigation, asking for CCTV footage to try and determine exactly what happened, as the plight of street vendors in Spain suddenly lept to the fore.

Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday

Hundreds of people held a peaceful protest in central Madrid on Friday to demand better police treatment of street vendors, a day after the death of a Senegalese man sparked clashes with riot police. Six people including a minor and a woman were also arrested and 10 officers were left injured while emergency services said four people were slightly hurt in the protest on Friday. The protesters gathered in a square in the Lavapies district of the Spanish capital in the early evening on Thursday, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing bandanas as tensions remained high a day after violent clashes over the controversial death of a Senegalese street vendor. On Thursday, 35-year-old Sengal street vendor Mame Mbaye Ndiaye suffered a heart attack in the street while walking away from police. Fellow vendors said police chased him through the streets, forcing him to run with his heavy merchandise wrapped in a sheet. He died of cardiac arrest in a street close to his home in Lavapies some 15 to 20 minutes later. That evening protesters threw stones and set dustbins alight in Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood, home to many migrant communities and near to where Ndiaye died. Friday’s gathering in a square in Lavapies passed without violence. Protesters held signs reading slogans such as “Enough of police harassment” and chanted “Police murderers”. Some shouted "kill police", an AFP journalist heard. Marches were also held in Barcelona and Bilbao. The city hall announced a full investigation, asking for CCTV footage to try and determine exactly what happened, as the plight of street vendors in Spain suddenly lept to the fore.

Hundreds gather for Madrid protest following Sengal street vendor's death

The new pro-independence speaker of Catalonia&#39;s parliament on Thursday started meeting party representatives to pick a regional president, with exiled former leader Carles Puigdemont in the lead for the post.

The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia if Puigdemont tries to govern from Belgium, where he and other ousted ministers fled after declaring independence from Spain in October.

On Wednesday, the region&#39;s separatist block regained control of the Catalan parliament following the assembly&#39;s dissolution on October 27 by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in response to the breakaway attempt.

Fresh from a victory in December elections that gave them an absolute majority in parliament, separatist lawmakers elected Roger Torrent of the left-wing, pro-independence ERC party as speaker.

Four out of seven of his deputies are also pro-independence.

Their next step is to regain control of the government with Puigdemont as their leader.

Torrent, 38, who gave a conciliatory first parliamentary speech on Wednesday, is holding talks with all the different assembly groups to designate the candidate with most support.

He was due to meet Thursday with the Socialists, who oppose independence, and Catalunya en Comu, the Catalan allies of far-left party Podemos, who are also against Puigdemont as candidate.

Puigdemont&#39;s Together for Catalonia list won the most votes in December within the separatist bloc, but he is in Brussels in self-imposed exile after escaping just days after the regional parliament declared independence.

He risks arrest on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the failed independence bid if he comes back to Spain.

He wants to present his candidacy and government programme to parliament -- a prerequisite to being voted in -- remotely via videolink or by having someone else read it for him.

The Catalan parliament&#39;s legal experts, however, say the contender has to be physically present and Madrid has vowed to block him.

But the final say lies in Torrent and his deputies, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow it.

Last week, Torrent hinted that he would follow what the parliament&#39;s legal experts said.

But his ERC party has said it will support Puigdemont as president.

The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia

The new pro-independence speaker of Catalonia's parliament on Thursday started meeting party representatives to pick a regional president, with exiled former leader Carles Puigdemont in the lead for the post. The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia if Puigdemont tries to govern from Belgium, where he and other ousted ministers fled after declaring independence from Spain in October. On Wednesday, the region's separatist block regained control of the Catalan parliament following the assembly's dissolution on October 27 by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in response to the breakaway attempt. Fresh from a victory in December elections that gave them an absolute majority in parliament, separatist lawmakers elected Roger Torrent of the left-wing, pro-independence ERC party as speaker. Four out of seven of his deputies are also pro-independence. Their next step is to regain control of the government with Puigdemont as their leader. Torrent, 38, who gave a conciliatory first parliamentary speech on Wednesday, is holding talks with all the different assembly groups to designate the candidate with most support. He was due to meet Thursday with the Socialists, who oppose independence, and Catalunya en Comu, the Catalan allies of far-left party Podemos, who are also against Puigdemont as candidate. Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia list won the most votes in December within the separatist bloc, but he is in Brussels in self-imposed exile after escaping just days after the regional parliament declared independence. He risks arrest on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the failed independence bid if he comes back to Spain. He wants to present his candidacy and government programme to parliament -- a prerequisite to being voted in -- remotely via videolink or by having someone else read it for him. The Catalan parliament's legal experts, however, say the contender has to be physically present and Madrid has vowed to block him. But the final say lies in Torrent and his deputies, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow it. Last week, Torrent hinted that he would follow what the parliament's legal experts said. But his ERC party has said it will support Puigdemont as president.

Talks underway in Catalonia to pick regional leader

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for a Catalan parliament to be formed on Jan. 17, the first step in reinstating a local government that was taken over by Madrid after illegally declaring independence in October.

Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence.

Separatist parties secured a slim majority in a Dec. 21 election, but they may have difficulty forming a government with many of their leaders facing legal proceedings over their role in the independence movement or in self-imposed exile.

Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for a Catalan parliament to be formed on Jan. 17, the first step in reinstating a local government that was taken over by Madrid after illegally declaring independence in October. Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence. Separatist parties secured a slim majority in a Dec. 21 election, but they may have difficulty forming a government with many of their leaders facing legal proceedings over their role in the independence movement or in self-imposed exile.

Spanish PM calls for Catalan parliament to be formed on January 17

The wait is over, Catalonia&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/puigdemont-celebrates-as-catalan-separatists-win-election-27417">three pro-independence parties including </a>that of exiled leader Carles Puigdemont have together won 70 seats out of 135 in the snap polls in the Catalan elections.

However, the big question remains whether the new government in Spain&#39;s richest province will now separate from Spain. Experts say not quite as the pro-Madrid citizen&#39;s party with 36 seats has emerged as the single largest winner with the&nbsp;tally for the separatists reflecting an overall drop in their popularity.

In fact, spokesman for the citizen&#39;s party, Ines Arrimadas said the independence movement does not represent the future for&nbsp;Catalans.

Even as champagne flows on the streets of Catalonia, separatist leader Puigdemont on a self-imposed exile in Brussels is now getting set to open talks with the other two victorious separatist groups to try and bridge differences between them, clearly, the road ahead for Puigdemont won&#39;t be as easy as it looks for pro-Catalan supporters.

Puigdemont who slipped out of Spain at the height of the Catalan separatist movement and took &quot;refuge&quot; in Brussels has a few headaches of his own, he just might be arrested the minute he returns to Spain.

Puigdemont former deputy Oriol Junqeras is already behind bars and has indicated his party might be willing to strike a deal with Spain&#39;s central government, a move which will no doubt be a huge setback for Puigdemont.

Analysts predict stormy weeks ahead as efforts begin to form a government.

The elections have clearly shown Catalan society is split down the middle between separatists and pro-Madrid nationalists, if it is not bridged soon Spain&#39;s PM Mariano Rajoy and Catalan leaders may find themselves facing elections again both at the regional and national level.

Catalonia just may have to wait a long time before it can have a new regional government.

Analysts predict stormy weeks ahead as efforts begin to form a government

The wait is over, Catalonia's three pro-independence parties including that of exiled leader Carles Puigdemont have together won 70 seats out of 135 in the snap polls in the Catalan elections. However, the big question remains whether the new government in Spain's richest province will now separate from Spain. Experts say not quite as the pro-Madrid citizen's party with 36 seats has emerged as the single largest winner with the tally for the separatists reflecting an overall drop in their popularity. In fact, spokesman for the citizen's party, Ines Arrimadas said the independence movement does not represent the future for Catalans. Even as champagne flows on the streets of Catalonia, separatist leader Puigdemont on a self-imposed exile in Brussels is now getting set to open talks with the other two victorious separatist groups to try and bridge differences between them, clearly, the road ahead for Puigdemont won't be as easy as it looks for pro-Catalan supporters. Puigdemont who slipped out of Spain at the height of the Catalan separatist movement and took "refuge" in Brussels has a few headaches of his own, he just might be arrested the minute he returns to Spain. Puigdemont former deputy Oriol Junqeras is already behind bars and has indicated his party might be willing to strike a deal with Spain's central government, a move which will no doubt be a huge setback for Puigdemont. Analysts predict stormy weeks ahead as efforts begin to form a government. The elections have clearly shown Catalan society is split down the middle between separatists and pro-Madrid nationalists, if it is not bridged soon Spain's PM Mariano Rajoy and Catalan leaders may find themselves facing elections again both at the regional and national level. Catalonia just may have to wait a long time before it can have a new regional government.

Catalan elections: Analysts predict government formation won't be easy for Puigdemont

The deposed leader of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont said Monday that there could be solutions to Spain&#39;s political crisis other than independence for his region, insisting he was still open to &quot;agreement&quot; with Madrid.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;ve always been willing to accept the new reality of a different relationship with Spain,&quot; Puigdemont said in Brussels, where he traveled to after his government declared independence from Spain last month.

&quot;It&#39;s still possible. I&#39;ve been pro-independence all my life, working for 30 years to secure a different way of integrating Catalonia within Spain. I&#39;m still for an agreement,&quot; the former leader told Belgium&#39;s Le Soir newspaper.

Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in decades when Catalan lawmakers voted to split from Madrid following a banned referendum in the wealthy northeastern region on October 1.&nbsp;

The central government hit back, revoking the region&#39;s autonomous powers, sacking its parliament and Puigdemont&#39;s government, and calling fresh regional elections for December 21.&nbsp;

The crisis has caused deep distress in the European Union as it comes to terms with Britain&#39;s shock decision to leave the bloc.&nbsp;

It has also sent business confidence plunging in Catalonia -- home to 7.5 million people and accounting for a fifth of Spain&#39;s GDP -- with more than 2,400 firms re-registering their headquarters outside the region.&nbsp;

Puigdemont says he wants to run as a candidate in the regional election but his PDeCAT party is lagging far behind another pro-independence group in polling.&nbsp;

The leftist ERC -- whose leader was Puigdemont&#39;s deputy -- said last week it would not allow its candidates to run on the same ticket as PDeCAT.

Several Catalan former lawmakers are in jail accused of violating Spain&#39;s constitution for declaring independence.&nbsp;

Puigdemont, who says he is in Belgium because he cannot get fair treatment from courts back home, has spoken of slowing his independence drive and last week accused Madrid of planning a &quot;wave&quot; of repression against separatists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ve been forced to adapt our agenda to avoid violence,&quot; he already said at the end of October.&nbsp;

&quot;If the price to pay is slowing the creation of a republic, then we need to consider that as a price worth paying in 21st-century Europe.&quot;

The deposed leader of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont said Monday that there could be solutions to Spain's political crisis other than independence for his region, insisting he was still open to "agreement" with Madrid.?

The deposed leader of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont said Monday that there could be solutions to Spain's political crisis other than independence for his region, insisting he was still open to "agreement" with Madrid. "I've always been willing to accept the new reality of a different relationship with Spain," Puigdemont said in Brussels, where he traveled to after his government declared independence from Spain last month. "It's still possible. I've been pro-independence all my life, working for 30 years to secure a different way of integrating Catalonia within Spain. I'm still for an agreement," the former leader told Belgium's Le Soir newspaper. Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in decades when Catalan lawmakers voted to split from Madrid following a banned referendum in the wealthy northeastern region on October 1. The central government hit back, revoking the region's autonomous powers, sacking its parliament and Puigdemont's government, and calling fresh regional elections for December 21. The crisis has caused deep distress in the European Union as it comes to terms with Britain's shock decision to leave the bloc. It has also sent business confidence plunging in Catalonia -- home to 7.5 million people and accounting for a fifth of Spain's GDP -- with more than 2,400 firms re-registering their headquarters outside the region. Puigdemont says he wants to run as a candidate in the regional election but his PDeCAT party is lagging far behind another pro-independence group in polling. The leftist ERC -- whose leader was Puigdemont's deputy -- said last week it would not allow its candidates to run on the same ticket as PDeCAT. Several Catalan former lawmakers are in jail accused of violating Spain's constitution for declaring independence. Puigdemont, who says he is in Belgium because he cannot get fair treatment from courts back home, has spoken of slowing his independence drive and last week accused Madrid of planning a "wave" of repression against separatists. "We've been forced to adapt our agenda to avoid violence," he already said at the end of October. "If the price to pay is slowing the creation of a republic, then we need to consider that as a price worth paying in 21st-century Europe."

Catalan ex-leader says independence not only solution to crisis

Spain moved Saturday to seize direct control of Catalonia, sacking its police chief a day after the Catalan regional parliament&#39;s independence declaration sent shock waves through Europe.

The firing of Josep Lluis Trapero, the highest-ranking officer of the Mossos d&#39;Esquadra regional police, follows Friday&#39;s dismissal of Catalonia&#39;s president, his deputy, all ministers, and the entire parliament.

Moving to quash what he termed an &quot;escalation of disobedience&quot;, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called December 21 elections in the region under sweeping powers granted by the Senate in response to Catalan lawmakers voting to declare an independent republic.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sacks-catalan-government-after-region-declares-independence-23054" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Spain sacks Catalan government after region declares independence</a>

The dismissal of Trapero, seen as an ally of his region&#39;s separatist leaders, was announced in Saturday&#39;s official government gazette.

Madrid accuses Trapero of disobeying court orders to block a banned October 1 independence referendum.

Instead, the ballot was disrupted, violently in some cases, by officers from Spain&#39;s national police and Guardia Civil paramilitary forces.

All eyes this weekend will be on whether Catalonia&#39;s separatist executive, led by Carles Puigdemont, will willingly step aside for caretaker envoys from Madrid.

Spain&#39;s Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria is due to meet later with secretaries of state who will likely take charge of Catalonia&#39;s regional ministries.

Competing rallies 
Tens of thousands celebrated in Barcelona and other Catalan cities after Friday&#39;s independence declaration, which analysts say the region has no legal power to execute.

But anti-secession rallies have been called for the capital, Madrid, on Saturday, and for Barcelona on Sunday.

The move to quash Catalan powers under Article 155 of the Spanish constitution is likely to anger many in a region of some 7.5 million people that enjoyed considerable autonomy, with control over education, healthcare and police.

It is the first time the central government has curtailed autonomy in the region since dictator Francisco Franco&#39;s repressive 1939-75 rule.

Independence supporters have warned they will resist the temporary measure, implemented under a constitutional article devised to rein in rebel regions.

&quot;We won&#39;t cave in to Rajoy&#39;s authoritarianism nor to 155,&quot; the far-left CUP party, an ally of Puigdemont, tweeted on Friday.

A motion to declare Catalonia a &quot;republic&quot; was passed Friday with 70 votes out of 135 in the regional parliament, where pro-secessionists hold sway.

Catalan leaders point to the &quot;Yes&quot; vote in the deeply-divisive October 1 referendum as a mandate for independence, even though less than half of voters took part.

Echoing widely-held fears, Federico Santi, Europe analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, warned the crisis could become violent, with &quot;more serious clashes between national police and pro-independence activists.&quot;

Speaking after the parliament&#39;s proclamation, Puigdemont urged activists to &quot;maintain the momentum&quot; in a peaceful manner.

- Unwavering support for Spain - 
The Spanish government has received unwavering support from the United States and its allies in the European Union.

The bloc is increasingly wary of nationalistic and secessionist sentiment, particularly after Britain&#39;s dramatic decision last year to leave the bloc.

EU President Donald Tusk insisted Madrid &quot;remains our only interlocutor&quot; in Spain, but urged it to exercise restraint.

&quot;I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force,&quot; he tweeted.

Madrid sacked the region's police chief on Friday

Spain moved Saturday to seize direct control of Catalonia, sacking its police chief a day after the Catalan regional parliament's independence declaration sent shock waves through Europe. The firing of Josep Lluis Trapero, the highest-ranking officer of the Mossos d'Esquadra regional police, follows Friday's dismissal of Catalonia's president, his deputy, all ministers, and the entire parliament. Moving to quash what he termed an "escalation of disobedience", Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called December 21 elections in the region under sweeping powers granted by the Senate in response to Catalan lawmakers voting to declare an independent republic. Also read: Spain sacks Catalan government after region declares independence The dismissal of Trapero, seen as an ally of his region's separatist leaders, was announced in Saturday's official government gazette. Madrid accuses Trapero of disobeying court orders to block a banned October 1 independence referendum. Instead, the ballot was disrupted, violently in some cases, by officers from Spain's national police and Guardia Civil paramilitary forces. All eyes this weekend will be on whether Catalonia's separatist executive, led by Carles Puigdemont, will willingly step aside for caretaker envoys from Madrid. Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria is due to meet later with secretaries of state who will likely take charge of Catalonia's regional ministries. Competing rallies Tens of thousands celebrated in Barcelona and other Catalan cities after Friday's independence declaration, which analysts say the region has no legal power to execute. But anti-secession rallies have been called for the capital, Madrid, on Saturday, and for Barcelona on Sunday. The move to quash Catalan powers under Article 155 of the Spanish constitution is likely to anger many in a region of some 7.5 million people that enjoyed considerable autonomy, with control over education, healthcare and police. It is the first time the central government has curtailed autonomy in the region since dictator Francisco Franco's repressive 1939-75 rule. Independence supporters have warned they will resist the temporary measure, implemented under a constitutional article devised to rein in rebel regions. "We won't cave in to Rajoy's authoritarianism nor to 155," the far-left CUP party, an ally of Puigdemont, tweeted on Friday. A motion to declare Catalonia a "republic" was passed Friday with 70 votes out of 135 in the regional parliament, where pro-secessionists hold sway. Catalan leaders point to the "Yes" vote in the deeply-divisive October 1 referendum as a mandate for independence, even though less than half of voters took part. Echoing widely-held fears, Federico Santi, Europe analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, warned the crisis could become violent, with "more serious clashes between national police and pro-independence activists." Speaking after the parliament's proclamation, Puigdemont urged activists to "maintain the momentum" in a peaceful manner. - Unwavering support for Spain - The Spanish government has received unwavering support from the United States and its allies in the European Union. The bloc is increasingly wary of nationalistic and secessionist sentiment, particularly after Britain's dramatic decision last year to leave the bloc. EU President Donald Tusk insisted Madrid "remains our only interlocutor" in Spain, but urged it to exercise restraint. "I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force," he tweeted.

Spain moves to take control of Catalonia

The Madrid government sacked Catalonia&#39;s president and dismissed its parliament on Friday, hours after the region declared itself an independent nation in Spain&#39;s gravest political crisis since the return of democracy four decades ago.

A new regional election will be held in Catalonia on Dec. 21, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in a televised address on a day of high drama.

As well as removing Carles Puigdemont as head of the autonomous region, he also fired its police chief and said central government ministries would take over the Catalan administration.

&quot;Spain is living through a sad day,&quot; Rajoy said. &quot;We believe it is urgent to listen to Catalan citizens, to all of them, so that they can decide their future and nobody can act outside the law on their behalf.&quot;

As he spoke, thousands of independence supporters packed the Sant Jaume Square in front of the Catalan regional headquarters in Barcelona, their earlier joyful mood somewhat dampened by Rajoy&#39;s actions.

In a stunning show of defiance of Madrid, the Catalan parliament had voted in the afternoon to make a unilateral declaration of independence.

Despite the emotions and celebrations inside and outside the building, it was a futile gesture as shortly afterwards the Spanish Senate in Madrid approved the imposition of direct rule.

Several European countries, including France and Germany, and the United States also rejected the independence declaration and said they supported Rajoy&#39;s efforts to preserve Spain&#39;s unity.

The crisis has now reached a new and possibly dangerous level as independence supporters have called for a campaign of disobedience. Immediately after news of the vote, Spanish shares and bonds were sold off, reflecting business concern over the turmoil.

Alarm around Europe

Catalonia held an independence referendum on Oct. 1 which was declared illegal by Madrid and marred by heavy-handed national police tactics to stop it.

Although the referendum endorsed independence, it drew only a 43 percent turnout as Catalans who oppose independence largely boycotted it.

The independence push has caused deep resentment around Spain. The chaos has also prompted a flight of business from Catalonia and alarmed European leaders who fear the crisis could fan separatist sentiment around the continent.

Catalonia is one of Spain&#39;s most prosperous regions and already has a high degree of autonomy. But it has a litany of historic grievances, exacerbated during the 1939-1975 Franco dictatorship, when its culture and politics were suppressed.

In Barcelona, Jordi Mercade, a 32-year-old engineer celebrating with friends, said he had mixed feelings about the day&#39;s events.

&quot;It&#39;s a day for history but many of us here also know we are not independent. They have the force. We are proud to having declared independence but we know this is not something definitive.&quot;

It is not certain whether the new election can resolve the crisis, as it could increase the numbers of independence supporters in parliament.

Also unclear is how Rajoy&#39;s other measures will work on the ground, because of the reactions of civil servants and the regional police, know as the Mossos d&#39;Esquadra, who are reported to be divided in their loyalties.

The main secessionist group, the Catalan National Assembly, called on civil servants not to follow orders from the Spanish government and urged them to follow &quot;peaceful resistance&quot;.

&quot;Tensions are likely to rise significantly over the coming days,&quot; Antonio Barroso of Teneo Intelligence said in a note.

&quot;Demonstrators might try to prevent the police from removing Catalan ministers from their offices if the central government decides to do so. This increases the risk of violent clashes with the police.&quot;

Short-lived liberty

A big crowd of independence supporters gathered outside the regional parliament in Barcelona, shouting &quot;Liberty&quot; in Catalan and singing traditional songs as the independence vote went through.

Among them was Monica Sanz, 44, a university lecturer who wore a Catalan flag around her neck.

&quot;We tried all peaceful means. Moderate people have reached this point because it was impossible to make an agreement with Spain,&quot; she said.

The motion, passed after a passionate debate from advocates and opponents of independence, said Catalonia constituted an independent, sovereign and social democratic state.

Lawmakers from members of three national parties - the People&#39;s Party, the Socialists and Ciudadanos - walked out before the vote. Members of the pro-independence parties and the far-left Podemos then voted 70-10 in favour, in a secret ballot aimed at hindering any attempt by Madrid to lay criminal charges on them.

The soon-to-be-sacked Puigdemont left the chamber to shouts of &quot;President!&quot; and mayors who had come from outlying areas brandished their ceremonial batons and sang the Catalan anthem &quot;Els Segadors&quot; (The Reapers).

&quot;Catalonia is and will be a land of freedom. In times of difficulty and in times of celebration. Now more than ever&quot;, Puigdemont said on Twitter.

But within an hour, the upper house of Spain&#39;s parliament in Madrid authorised Rajoy&#39;s government to rule Catalonia directly. Spain&#39;s constitutional court started a review of the vote for prosecutors to decide if its constituted rebellion.

In Brussels, the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said the independence vote changed nothing and the EU would only deal with the central government.

Spain&#39;s IBEX fell as much 2.1 percent to a four-day low during the day, 10-year government bond yields hit a day high, and the euro dipped against the dollar on Friday after the Catalan independence declaration. The region contributes about a fifth of Spain&#39;s economy, the fourth-largest in the eurozone.

JP Morgan said that due to the unceratinty, it was lowering its forecast for Spain&#39;s GDP for the last quarter of 2017 and first of 2018 to below the 3.5 per cent seen so far this year.

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

The Madrid government sacked Catalonia's president and dismissed its parliament on Friday, hours after the region declared itself an independent nation in Spain's gravest political crisis since the return of democracy four decades ago. A new regional election will be held in Catalonia on Dec. 21, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in a televised address on a day of high drama. As well as removing Carles Puigdemont as head of the autonomous region, he also fired its police chief and said central government ministries would take over the Catalan administration. "Spain is living through a sad day," Rajoy said. "We believe it is urgent to listen to Catalan citizens, to all of them, so that they can decide their future and nobody can act outside the law on their behalf." As he spoke, thousands of independence supporters packed the Sant Jaume Square in front of the Catalan regional headquarters in Barcelona, their earlier joyful mood somewhat dampened by Rajoy's actions. In a stunning show of defiance of Madrid, the Catalan parliament had voted in the afternoon to make a unilateral declaration of independence. Despite the emotions and celebrations inside and outside the building, it was a futile gesture as shortly afterwards the Spanish Senate in Madrid approved the imposition of direct rule. Several European countries, including France and Germany, and the United States also rejected the independence declaration and said they supported Rajoy's efforts to preserve Spain's unity. The crisis has now reached a new and possibly dangerous level as independence supporters have called for a campaign of disobedience. Immediately after news of the vote, Spanish shares and bonds were sold off, reflecting business concern over the turmoil. Alarm around Europe Catalonia held an independence referendum on Oct. 1 which was declared illegal by Madrid and marred by heavy-handed national police tactics to stop it. Although the referendum endorsed independence, it drew only a 43 percent turnout as Catalans who oppose independence largely boycotted it. The independence push has caused deep resentment around Spain. The chaos has also prompted a flight of business from Catalonia and alarmed European leaders who fear the crisis could fan separatist sentiment around the continent. Catalonia is one of Spain's most prosperous regions and already has a high degree of autonomy. But it has a litany of historic grievances, exacerbated during the 1939-1975 Franco dictatorship, when its culture and politics were suppressed. In Barcelona, Jordi Mercade, a 32-year-old engineer celebrating with friends, said he had mixed feelings about the day's events. "It's a day for history but many of us here also know we are not independent. They have the force. We are proud to having declared independence but we know this is not something definitive." It is not certain whether the new election can resolve the crisis, as it could increase the numbers of independence supporters in parliament. Also unclear is how Rajoy's other measures will work on the ground, because of the reactions of civil servants and the regional police, know as the Mossos d'Esquadra, who are reported to be divided in their loyalties. The main secessionist group, the Catalan National Assembly, called on civil servants not to follow orders from the Spanish government and urged them to follow "peaceful resistance". "Tensions are likely to rise significantly over the coming days," Antonio Barroso of Teneo Intelligence said in a note. "Demonstrators might try to prevent the police from removing Catalan ministers from their offices if the central government decides to do so. This increases the risk of violent clashes with the police." Short-lived liberty A big crowd of independence supporters gathered outside the regional parliament in Barcelona, shouting "Liberty" in Catalan and singing traditional songs as the independence vote went through. Among them was Monica Sanz, 44, a university lecturer who wore a Catalan flag around her neck. "We tried all peaceful means. Moderate people have reached this point because it was impossible to make an agreement with Spain," she said. The motion, passed after a passionate debate from advocates and opponents of independence, said Catalonia constituted an independent, sovereign and social democratic state. Lawmakers from members of three national parties - the People's Party, the Socialists and Ciudadanos - walked out before the vote. Members of the pro-independence parties and the far-left Podemos then voted 70-10 in favour, in a secret ballot aimed at hindering any attempt by Madrid to lay criminal charges on them. The soon-to-be-sacked Puigdemont left the chamber to shouts of "President!" and mayors who had come from outlying areas brandished their ceremonial batons and sang the Catalan anthem "Els Segadors" (The Reapers). "Catalonia is and will be a land of freedom. In times of difficulty and in times of celebration. Now more than ever", Puigdemont said on Twitter. But within an hour, the upper house of Spain's parliament in Madrid authorised Rajoy's government to rule Catalonia directly. Spain's constitutional court started a review of the vote for prosecutors to decide if its constituted rebellion. In Brussels, the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said the independence vote changed nothing and the EU would only deal with the central government. Spain's IBEX fell as much 2.1 percent to a four-day low during the day, 10-year government bond yields hit a day high, and the euro dipped against the dollar on Friday after the Catalan independence declaration. The region contributes about a fifth of Spain's economy, the fourth-largest in the eurozone. JP Morgan said that due to the unceratinty, it was lowering its forecast for Spain's GDP for the last quarter of 2017 and first of 2018 to below the 3.5 per cent seen so far this year.

Spain sacks Catalan government after region declares independence

Spanish senators met Friday to adopt drastic measures to impose direct rule on rebel region Catalonia in a bid to frustrate its drive to break away, though separatists may push back with an independence declaration.

The Senate, where Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy&#39;s Popular Party holds a majority, is scheduled to vote on steps to depose Catalonia&#39;s secessionist government before the week is out, after the region held an unlawful independence referendum on October 1.

For its part, the Catalan parliament, where pro-secession parties hold sway, will meet in Barcelona where a proposal to vote on splitting from Spain could work its way onto the floor.

On Thursday, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont opted not to call elections for a new regional parliament thought to be the only way to stave off Madrid&#39;s imminent power grab.&nbsp;

Warning that seizure of control by the central government would escalate the crisis, he passed the buck to the regional parliament &quot;to determine the consequences&quot; of the threatened takeover&nbsp;thus leaving the door open for a possible independence push.

Spain and Catalonia have been locked in a constitutional standoff since a &quot;Yes&quot; vote in the unregulated plebiscite which secessionist leaders hold up as a popular mandate for independence for the region of 7.5 million people.

Only about 43 percent of voters turned out, however, with many anti-secessionists staying away and others prevented from casting their ballot by Spanish police in a crackdown that turned violent.

Based on the vote, Puigdemont moved towards an independence declaration but suspended it pending negotiations.

Madrid turned to Article 155 of the constitution a never-before-used provision designed to rein in rebels among Spain&#39;s 17 regions, which enjoy varying levels of autonomy.

Measures drawn up under the article are set to enter into force on Saturday and will see the central government seek to temporarily take over Catalonia&#39;s civil service, police, purse, and public broadcaster.

Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria insisted the government was &quot;fulfilling a legal obligation, a democratic obligation, and a political obligation,&quot; by its actions.

But the move is likely to anger Catalans, fiercely protective of their autonomy, even if divided on independence.

Independence supporters are ready to push back and protest against the takeover.

Albert Botran, a regional lawmaker for the far-left CUP party that backs Puigdemont and wants to split from Spain, vowed Friday to &quot;make it difficult for the new, illegitimate government to get away with it.&quot;

&quot;The first action will be resistance,&quot; he told Catalonia Radio.

&#39;Impatient&#39; to leave&nbsp;

Catalonia&#39;s parliament met to discuss the issue late Thursday, where opposition lawmakers pleaded with Puigdemont to find a solution to the standoff closely watched by the European Union nervous wary of nationalist and secessionist sentiment, particularly after Britain&#39;s dramatic decision to leave the bloc.

&quot;You still have time to return to legality and call elections,&quot; Ines Arrimadas, a regional leader of the anti-independence Ciudadanos party, said in parliament.

Catalans are fiercely protective of their language, culture and autonomy -- restored after the 1939-75 dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

&quot;We&#39;re impatient to see the proclamation of the Catalan republic,&quot; said Natalia Torres, 19, one of thousands of students at a pro-independence march in Barcelona Thursday.

But Manuel Herrera, a 61-year-old parking attendant, said: &quot;I want to stay in Spain so that more companies don&#39;t leave.&quot;

Fears for Catalonia&#39;s economy have increased as uncertainty persists over the independence drive, with some 1,600 companies having moved their legal headquarters out of the region in recent weeks.

Catalonia accounts for about 16 percent of Spain&#39;s population and a fifth of its economic output.

The Senate, where Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party holds a majority, is scheduled to vote on steps to depose Catalonia's secessionist government before the week is out, after the region held an unlawful independence referendum on October 1.

Spanish senators met Friday to adopt drastic measures to impose direct rule on rebel region Catalonia in a bid to frustrate its drive to break away, though separatists may push back with an independence declaration. The Senate, where Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party holds a majority, is scheduled to vote on steps to depose Catalonia's secessionist government before the week is out, after the region held an unlawful independence referendum on October 1. For its part, the Catalan parliament, where pro-secession parties hold sway, will meet in Barcelona where a proposal to vote on splitting from Spain could work its way onto the floor. On Thursday, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont opted not to call elections for a new regional parliament thought to be the only way to stave off Madrid's imminent power grab. Warning that seizure of control by the central government would escalate the crisis, he passed the buck to the regional parliament "to determine the consequences" of the threatened takeover thus leaving the door open for a possible independence push. Spain and Catalonia have been locked in a constitutional standoff since a "Yes" vote in the unregulated plebiscite which secessionist leaders hold up as a popular mandate for independence for the region of 7.5 million people. Only about 43 percent of voters turned out, however, with many anti-secessionists staying away and others prevented from casting their ballot by Spanish police in a crackdown that turned violent. Based on the vote, Puigdemont moved towards an independence declaration but suspended it pending negotiations. Madrid turned to Article 155 of the constitution a never-before-used provision designed to rein in rebels among Spain's 17 regions, which enjoy varying levels of autonomy. Measures drawn up under the article are set to enter into force on Saturday and will see the central government seek to temporarily take over Catalonia's civil service, police, purse, and public broadcaster. Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria insisted the government was "fulfilling a legal obligation, a democratic obligation, and a political obligation," by its actions. But the move is likely to anger Catalans, fiercely protective of their autonomy, even if divided on independence. Independence supporters are ready to push back and protest against the takeover. Albert Botran, a regional lawmaker for the far-left CUP party that backs Puigdemont and wants to split from Spain, vowed Friday to "make it difficult for the new, illegitimate government to get away with it." "The first action will be resistance," he told Catalonia Radio. 'Impatient' to leave Catalonia's parliament met to discuss the issue late Thursday, where opposition lawmakers pleaded with Puigdemont to find a solution to the standoff closely watched by the European Union nervous wary of nationalist and secessionist sentiment, particularly after Britain's dramatic decision to leave the bloc. "You still have time to return to legality and call elections," Ines Arrimadas, a regional leader of the anti-independence Ciudadanos party, said in parliament. Catalans are fiercely protective of their language, culture and autonomy -- restored after the 1939-75 dictatorship of Francisco Franco. "We're impatient to see the proclamation of the Catalan republic," said Natalia Torres, 19, one of thousands of students at a pro-independence march in Barcelona Thursday. But Manuel Herrera, a 61-year-old parking attendant, said: "I want to stay in Spain so that more companies don't leave." Fears for Catalonia's economy have increased as uncertainty persists over the independence drive, with some 1,600 companies having moved their legal headquarters out of the region in recent weeks. Catalonia accounts for about 16 percent of Spain's population and a fifth of its economic output.

Spain poised to roll back Catalonia's regional autonomy

Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont is set to call a snap regional election on Dec. 20, local media said on Thursday, a move that could help break a one-month deadlock between the Madrid government and<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-stops-short-of-formal-independence-declaration-to-allow-talks-21251"> Catalan separatists seeking independence from Spain</a>.

Barcelona-based La Vanguardia said Puigdemont had taken the decision in a bid to convince the government of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-suspend-catalonias-government-call-elections-22701">Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy </a>not to enforce the direct rule in the region.

Puigdemont will deliver an address at 1.30 p.m (1130 GMT), his office said.

Calling an election could either strengthen Puigdemont&#39;s mandate if pro-independence parties won, or allow him a graceful exit if they did not.

But it could also heighten divisions within the secessionist camp and bring the current campaign to a halt.

Cracks appeared late on Wednesday in the secessionist coalition as members backed a vote while others said there was no alternative to independence.

An opinion poll published by the El Periodico newspaper on Sunday showed a snap election would probably have results similar to the last ballot, in 2015, when a coalition of pro-independence parties formed a minority government.

Barcelona-based La Vanguardia said Puigdemont had taken the decision in a bid to convince the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy not to enforce the direct rule in the region

Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont is set to call a snap regional election on Dec. 20, local media said on Thursday, a move that could help break a one-month deadlock between the Madrid government and Catalan separatists seeking independence from Spain. Barcelona-based La Vanguardia said Puigdemont had taken the decision in a bid to convince the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy not to enforce the direct rule in the region. Puigdemont will deliver an address at 1.30 p.m (1130 GMT), his office said. Calling an election could either strengthen Puigdemont's mandate if pro-independence parties won, or allow him a graceful exit if they did not. But it could also heighten divisions within the secessionist camp and bring the current campaign to a halt. Cracks appeared late on Wednesday in the secessionist coalition as members backed a vote while others said there was no alternative to independence. An opinion poll published by the El Periodico newspaper on Sunday showed a snap election would probably have results similar to the last ballot, in 2015, when a coalition of pro-independence parties formed a minority government.

Catalan head Puigdemont set to call regional election: Media

Secessionist leaders in Catalonia may call a snap election in an attempt to break the deadlock with Madrid over independence, a senior local politician said on Tuesday, but Spanish authorities made clear that would not be enough.

Spain says it will impose direct rule on Catalonia from Friday to prevent an illegal push for independence, invoking unprecedented powers to dismiss the regional government. The Madrid government said an election would not change those plans.

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The Catalan parliament meets on Thursday to agree on a response to Madrid, and many analysts believe the economically powerful region could formally declare independence.

Secessionists in Catalonia say their independence referendum on Oct. 1 - which attracted a 43 percent turnout and was mostly boycotted by Catalans who want to remain in Spain - has given them a mandate for statehood.

Catalonia said on Monday it was confident that its officials, including the police, would defy attempts by Madrid to enforce direct rule.

Spanish political and business leaders, along with most Catalonian newspapers, have urged Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to call a regional election before he is stripped of his authority.

They say direct rule from Madrid would be a humiliation for Catalonia and pose a serious risk of unrest.

Puigdemont has so far remained silent on the matter of an election but an ally of his pro-independence government said he was actively considering this option.

&quot;We have evidence this is currently on the table,&quot; Carles Riera, a Catalan lawmaker for the anti-capitalist CUP party, told a news conference.

Calling an election would be a face-saving move for Puigdemont as it could either strengthen his mandate if pro-independence parties won or allow him a graceful exit if they did not.

Debate?&nbsp;

The Spanish government said a snap election would be a first step but Puigdemont would also have to withdraw an ambiguous declaration of independence he made earlier this month.

The government had moved to cancel Catalonia&#39;s autonomous status because it believed there had been a &quot;serious failure&quot; by Puigdemont to meet his obligations, Justice Minister Rafael Catala said in a radio interview.

&quot;Everything is not fixed just by calling an election.&quot;

Catala said that if Puigdemont appeared before the Spanish Senate, it would help attempts to find a solution to the crisis.

A top official in the Senate said that if Puigdemont decided to appear before the house, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would likely come to the chamber as well so that a proper debate could be organised between the two.

The Madrid government has so far refused to meet the Catalan leader until he drops his call for independence and Catala said any appearance by Puigdemont had to be within a legal and constitutional framework.

&quot;If his appearance is within the constitution and the law we&#39;ll be delighted ... But if it&#39;s just to ratify his position on Catalonia&#39;s independence, sadly we will not be able to do anything else than continuing with the measures already set by the government,&quot; Catala said.

The political uncertainty has taken its toll on Spain&#39;s wealthiest region, with hundreds of companies moving their headquarters out of Catalonia.

Volkswagen&#39;s Spanish unit SEAT, one of the biggest employers in the region, said it would move its registered office if it felt there was no longer legal security in Catalonia, although it had so far not made a decision.

&quot;Relocating the registered office would respond to the need to seek legal protection, and would make sense the moment we felt it was no longer afforded in the territory where we are located,&quot; SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Luca de Meo said in a letter to the company&#39;s more than 14,000 employees in the region.

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

Secessionist leaders in Catalonia may call a snap election in an attempt to break the deadlock with Madrid over independence, a senior local politician said on Tuesday, but Spanish authorities made clear that would not be enough. Spain says it will impose direct rule on Catalonia from Friday to prevent an illegal push for independence, invoking unprecedented powers to dismiss the regional government. The Madrid government said an election would not change those plans. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has so far remained silent on the matter of an election × The Catalan parliament meets on Thursday to agree on a response to Madrid, and many analysts believe the economically powerful region could formally declare independence. Secessionists in Catalonia say their independence referendum on Oct. 1 - which attracted a 43 percent turnout and was mostly boycotted by Catalans who want to remain in Spain - has given them a mandate for statehood. Catalonia said on Monday it was confident that its officials, including the police, would defy attempts by Madrid to enforce direct rule. Spanish political and business leaders, along with most Catalonian newspapers, have urged Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to call a regional election before he is stripped of his authority. They say direct rule from Madrid would be a humiliation for Catalonia and pose a serious risk of unrest. Puigdemont has so far remained silent on the matter of an election but an ally of his pro-independence government said he was actively considering this option. "We have evidence this is currently on the table," Carles Riera, a Catalan lawmaker for the anti-capitalist CUP party, told a news conference. Calling an election would be a face-saving move for Puigdemont as it could either strengthen his mandate if pro-independence parties won or allow him a graceful exit if they did not. Debate? The Spanish government said a snap election would be a first step but Puigdemont would also have to withdraw an ambiguous declaration of independence he made earlier this month. The government had moved to cancel Catalonia's autonomous status because it believed there had been a "serious failure" by Puigdemont to meet his obligations, Justice Minister Rafael Catala said in a radio interview. "Everything is not fixed just by calling an election." Catala said that if Puigdemont appeared before the Spanish Senate, it would help attempts to find a solution to the crisis. A top official in the Senate said that if Puigdemont decided to appear before the house, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would likely come to the chamber as well so that a proper debate could be organised between the two. The Madrid government has so far refused to meet the Catalan leader until he drops his call for independence and Catala said any appearance by Puigdemont had to be within a legal and constitutional framework. "If his appearance is within the constitution and the law we'll be delighted ... But if it's just to ratify his position on Catalonia's independence, sadly we will not be able to do anything else than continuing with the measures already set by the government," Catala said. The political uncertainty has taken its toll on Spain's wealthiest region, with hundreds of companies moving their headquarters out of Catalonia. Volkswagen's Spanish unit SEAT, one of the biggest employers in the region, said it would move its registered office if it felt there was no longer legal security in Catalonia, although it had so far not made a decision. "Relocating the registered office would respond to the need to seek legal protection, and would make sense the moment we felt it was no longer afforded in the territory where we are located," SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Luca de Meo said in a letter to the company's more than 14,000 employees in the region.

Catalan secessionists mull snap election

The Spanish cabinet was meeting on Saturday to decide how it will impose direct rule on Catalonia and thwart a drive by the autonomous region to breakaway from Spain.

It will be the first time in Spain&#39;s four decades of democracy that the central government has invoked the constitutional right to take control of a region and rule it directly from Madrid.

Independence supporters were due to rally in the Catalan capital Barcelona on Saturday afternoon.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists that Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who heads the wealthy northeastern region&#39;s government, has broken the law several times in pushing for independence, thus justifying the imposition of central government control.

In an internal explanatory memorandum obtained by Reuters, the government said its objective was to restore the law, make sure the regional institutions were neutral, and to guarantee public services and economic activity as well as preserve the civil rights of all citizens.

&quot;The rulers of Catalonia have respected neither the law on which is based our democracy nor the general interest,&quot; the government said.

&quot;This situation is unsustainable...and needs to be dealt with through the activation of the powers that the Article 155 of the constitution gives to the government,&quot; it said.

Direct rule would be temporary and could range from dismissing the regional government to a softer approach of removing heads of specific departments.

The exact measures must be agreed and voted upon in Spain&#39;s upper house, the Senate, and Rajoy wants the broadest consensus possible.

The main opposition Socialists said on Friday they would back special measures and had agreed on the holding of regional elections in January.

The government declined to confirm this, saying only that regional elections were likely and the details would be announced on Saturday.

&#39;Unacceptable secession attempt&#39;

Rajoy received the backing of the head of state, King Felipe, on Friday, who said at a public ceremony that &quot;Catalonia is and will remain an essential part&quot; of Spain.

&quot;Spain needs to face up to an unacceptable secession attempt on its national territory, which it will resolve through its legitimate democratic institutions,&quot; said the king, a ceremonial figure who had criticised Catalan leaders earlier this month.

The independence push has brought on Spain&#39;s worst political crisis since a failed military coup in 1981 several years after the end of the Franco dictatorship. It has met with strong opposition across the rest of Spain, divided Catalonia itself, and raised the prospect of prolonged street protests

It has also led Madrid to cut economic growth forecasts and prompted hundreds of firms to move their headquarters from Catalonia. Spain has the euro zone&#39;s fourth-largest economy and Catalonia accounts for a fifth of it.

Pro-independence groups have mustered more than one million people onto the streets in protest at Madrid&#39;s refusal to negotiate a solution. Heavy-handed police tactics to shut down a an independence referendum on Oct. 1 that the government had declared illegal drew criticism from human rights groups.

Regional authorities said about 90 percent of those who cast ballots voted for independence. But only 43 percent of voters participated and opponents of secession mostly stayed home.

Puigdemont stopped short of making a unilateral declaration of independence following the referendum, but on Thursday he threatened to do so unless the government agreed to a dialogue. He accused Madrid of &quot;repression&quot;.

Activist organisations ANC and Omnium have called on their supporters to rally at 1500 GMT in Barcelona, the region&#39;s principal city, in protest at the jailing of their leaders over sedition accusations.

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

The Spanish cabinet was meeting on Saturday to decide how it will impose direct rule on Catalonia and thwart a drive by the autonomous region to breakaway from Spain. It will be the first time in Spain's four decades of democracy that the central government has invoked the constitutional right to take control of a region and rule it directly from Madrid. Independence supporters were due to rally in the Catalan capital Barcelona on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists that Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who heads the wealthy northeastern region's government, has broken the law several times in pushing for independence, thus justifying the imposition of central government control. In an internal explanatory memorandum obtained by Reuters, the government said its objective was to restore the law, make sure the regional institutions were neutral, and to guarantee public services and economic activity as well as preserve the civil rights of all citizens. "The rulers of Catalonia have respected neither the law on which is based our democracy nor the general interest," the government said. "This situation is unsustainable...and needs to be dealt with through the activation of the powers that the Article 155 of the constitution gives to the government," it said. Direct rule would be temporary and could range from dismissing the regional government to a softer approach of removing heads of specific departments. The exact measures must be agreed and voted upon in Spain's upper house, the Senate, and Rajoy wants the broadest consensus possible. The main opposition Socialists said on Friday they would back special measures and had agreed on the holding of regional elections in January. The government declined to confirm this, saying only that regional elections were likely and the details would be announced on Saturday. 'Unacceptable secession attempt' Rajoy received the backing of the head of state, King Felipe, on Friday, who said at a public ceremony that "Catalonia is and will remain an essential part" of Spain. "Spain needs to face up to an unacceptable secession attempt on its national territory, which it will resolve through its legitimate democratic institutions," said the king, a ceremonial figure who had criticised Catalan leaders earlier this month. The independence push has brought on Spain's worst political crisis since a failed military coup in 1981 several years after the end of the Franco dictatorship. It has met with strong opposition across the rest of Spain, divided Catalonia itself, and raised the prospect of prolonged street protests It has also led Madrid to cut economic growth forecasts and prompted hundreds of firms to move their headquarters from Catalonia. Spain has the euro zone's fourth-largest economy and Catalonia accounts for a fifth of it. Pro-independence groups have mustered more than one million people onto the streets in protest at Madrid's refusal to negotiate a solution. Heavy-handed police tactics to shut down a an independence referendum on Oct. 1 that the government had declared illegal drew criticism from human rights groups. Regional authorities said about 90 percent of those who cast ballots voted for independence. But only 43 percent of voters participated and opponents of secession mostly stayed home. Puigdemont stopped short of making a unilateral declaration of independence following the referendum, but on Thursday he threatened to do so unless the government agreed to a dialogue. He accused Madrid of "repression". Activist organisations ANC and Omnium have called on their supporters to rally at 1500 GMT in Barcelona, the region's principal city, in protest at the jailing of their leaders over sedition accusations.

Spanish government meets to impose direct rule on Catalonia

Spain will on Saturday take unprecedented steps to seize powers from Catalonia&#39;s separatist government after Madrid won powerful backing from the king and the EU in its battle to keep the country together.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will meet with his cabinet at 10.00 am (0800 GMT) to set out specific powers it plans to take away from the wealthy northeast region, which currently enjoys wide autonomy including control over its own policing, education and healthcare.

The measures -- which take the country into uncharted legal waters -- come after Spain&#39;s King Felipe VI on Friday blasted what he said was an &quot;unacceptable secession attempt&quot; and said the crisis sparked by the region&#39;s banned October 1 independence referendum must be resolved &quot;through legitimate democratic institutions&quot;.

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&quot;We do not want to give up that which we have built together,&quot; he pleaded.

Madrid enjoys constitutional powers to wrest back control of rebellious regions in one of the Western world&#39;s most decentralised nations, but it has never used them.

Autonomy is a hugely sensitive issue in semi-autonomous Catalonia, which saw its powers taken away under Spain&#39;s military dictatorship. Home to 7.5 million people, the region fiercely defends its own language and culture.

&#39;Critical point&#39; 
There are fears of unrest if Madrid seeks to impose direct rule of any kind, and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said such a move could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence.

But Rajoy said Friday that Spain had reached a &quot;critical point&quot; after weeks of political limbo and that his government had to act to stop the rule of law being &quot;liquidated&quot;.

Rajoy is likely to announce plans to take control of Catalonia&#39;s 16,000-strong police force, the Mossos d&#39;Esquadra, whose leader Josep Lluis Trapero could face up to 15 years in jail on sedition charges for failing to contain separatist protests ahead of the referendum.

Madrid could also seek to force new elections -- its preferred solution to Spain&#39;s most protracted political crisis since it returned to democracy in 1977 -- as early as January.

Rajoy is due to hold a press conference early Saturday afternoon to announce his plans, which must pass through the Senate where his conservative Popular Party holds a majority -- a process that would take about a week.

Speaking on Friday night at the Princess of Asturias Awards -- Spain&#39;s answer to the Nobels -- King Felipe described Catalonia as &quot;an essential part of 21st century Spain&quot;.

&#39;Hellish mess&#39; 
EU leaders, who were at the ceremony to collect a prize for encouraging harmony in Europe, used their acceptance speeches to demand respect for the law in words that offered implicit backing to Madrid.

&quot;Some are sowing discord by deliberately ignoring law,&quot; Tajani said at the awards night in the northern city of Oviedo.

He added pointedly: &quot;All too often in the past the prospect of redrawing borders has been presented as a heavenly panacea that has resulted in a hellish mess.&quot;

As tensions continue to run high, independence supporters are set to rally in Barcelona Saturday evening calling for the release of Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez, the leaders of two powerful grassroots separatist groups who have been in jail since Monday pending investigation into sedition charges.

Puigdemont says he has a mandate to declare independence after the referendum, which his administration says resulted in a 90 percent Yes vote.

But turnout was given as only 43 percent as many Catalans who back unity stayed away from the banned vote.

Accounting for about a fifth of Spain&#39;s economic output, Catalonia is evenly split over whether to break away from Spain, according to polls.

Supporters say the wealthy region does too much to prop up the rest of the national economy and would thrive if it went its own way, but opponents say Catalonia is stronger as part of Spain and that a split would spell economic and political disaster.

Nearly 1,200 companies that have shifted their registered domiciles to other parts of Spain since the referendum, hoping to minimise instability.

Madrid this week cut its national growth forecast for next year from 2.6 percent to 2.3 percent, saying the standoff was creating uncertainty.

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

Spain will on Saturday take unprecedented steps to seize powers from Catalonia's separatist government after Madrid won powerful backing from the king and the EU in its battle to keep the country together. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will meet with his cabinet at 10.00 am (0800 GMT) to set out specific powers it plans to take away from the wealthy northeast region, which currently enjoys wide autonomy including control over its own policing, education and healthcare. The measures -- which take the country into uncharted legal waters -- come after Spain's King Felipe VI on Friday blasted what he said was an "unacceptable secession attempt" and said the crisis sparked by the region's banned October 1 independence referendum must be resolved "through legitimate democratic institutions". Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will meet with his cabinet at 0800 GMT to set out specific powers it plans to take away from the wealthy northeast region × "We do not want to give up that which we have built together," he pleaded. Madrid enjoys constitutional powers to wrest back control of rebellious regions in one of the Western world's most decentralised nations, but it has never used them. Autonomy is a hugely sensitive issue in semi-autonomous Catalonia, which saw its powers taken away under Spain's military dictatorship. Home to 7.5 million people, the region fiercely defends its own language and culture. 'Critical point' There are fears of unrest if Madrid seeks to impose direct rule of any kind, and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said such a move could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence. But Rajoy said Friday that Spain had reached a "critical point" after weeks of political limbo and that his government had to act to stop the rule of law being "liquidated". Rajoy is likely to announce plans to take control of Catalonia's 16,000-strong police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, whose leader Josep Lluis Trapero could face up to 15 years in jail on sedition charges for failing to contain separatist protests ahead of the referendum. Madrid could also seek to force new elections -- its preferred solution to Spain's most protracted political crisis since it returned to democracy in 1977 -- as early as January. Rajoy is due to hold a press conference early Saturday afternoon to announce his plans, which must pass through the Senate where his conservative Popular Party holds a majority -- a process that would take about a week. Speaking on Friday night at the Princess of Asturias Awards -- Spain's answer to the Nobels -- King Felipe described Catalonia as "an essential part of 21st century Spain". 'Hellish mess' EU leaders, who were at the ceremony to collect a prize for encouraging harmony in Europe, used their acceptance speeches to demand respect for the law in words that offered implicit backing to Madrid. "Some are sowing discord by deliberately ignoring law," Tajani said at the awards night in the northern city of Oviedo. He added pointedly: "All too often in the past the prospect of redrawing borders has been presented as a heavenly panacea that has resulted in a hellish mess." As tensions continue to run high, independence supporters are set to rally in Barcelona Saturday evening calling for the release of Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez, the leaders of two powerful grassroots separatist groups who have been in jail since Monday pending investigation into sedition charges. Puigdemont says he has a mandate to declare independence after the referendum, which his administration says resulted in a 90 percent Yes vote. But turnout was given as only 43 percent as many Catalans who back unity stayed away from the banned vote. Accounting for about a fifth of Spain's economic output, Catalonia is evenly split over whether to break away from Spain, according to polls. Supporters say the wealthy region does too much to prop up the rest of the national economy and would thrive if it went its own way, but opponents say Catalonia is stronger as part of Spain and that a split would spell economic and political disaster. Nearly 1,200 companies that have shifted their registered domiciles to other parts of Spain since the referendum, hoping to minimise instability. Madrid this week cut its national growth forecast for next year from 2.6 percent to 2.3 percent, saying the standoff was creating uncertainty.

Spain expected to take back powers from Catalonia

Catalonia&#39;s separatist leader Carles Puigdemont on Monday told the central government he wanted to &quot;suspend&quot; initiating steps towards independence for two months to start talks with Madrid.

His comments came as the deadline set by Madrid to clarify his intentions for the Spanish region came to a close.

Puigdemont last week made an ambiguous announcement, saying he accepted the mandate for &quot;Catalonia to become an independent state&quot; following a banned referendum, in which separatist leaders say 90 per cent opted to split from Spain -- even if more than half of eligible voters stayed home.

But he immediately suspended that declaration pending talks with Madrid.

In a letter to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Monday, Puigdemont wrote that his &quot;suspension of the political mandate given by the polls on October 1 demonstrates our firm will to find a solution and not confrontation.&quot;

He added that &quot;for the next two months, our main objective is to bring you to dialogue.&quot;

But he did not clarify whether or not he had declared independence last week.

Madrid has previously said it refuses to negotiate on Catalan independence and has threatened to take drastic measures like suspending the region&#39;s autonomy if Puigdemont presses ahead with independence.

Carles Puigdemont told the central government he wanted to 'suspend' initiating steps towards independence for two months to start talks with Madrid

Catalonia's separatist leader Carles Puigdemont on Monday told the central government he wanted to "suspend" initiating steps towards independence for two months to start talks with Madrid. His comments came as the deadline set by Madrid to clarify his intentions for the Spanish region came to a close. Puigdemont last week made an ambiguous announcement, saying he accepted the mandate for "Catalonia to become an independent state" following a banned referendum, in which separatist leaders say 90 per cent opted to split from Spain -- even if more than half of eligible voters stayed home. But he immediately suspended that declaration pending talks with Madrid. In a letter to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Monday, Puigdemont wrote that his "suspension of the political mandate given by the polls on October 1 demonstrates our firm will to find a solution and not confrontation." He added that "for the next two months, our main objective is to bring you to dialogue." But he did not clarify whether or not he had declared independence last week. Madrid has previously said it refuses to negotiate on Catalan independence and has threatened to take drastic measures like suspending the region's autonomy if Puigdemont presses ahead with independence.

Catalan leader seeks two-month reprieve for talks with Spain

Catalan&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Carles Puigdemont came under&nbsp;pressure from one of his key allies&nbsp;on Friday to&nbsp;declare&nbsp;full&nbsp;independence&nbsp;and&nbsp;ignore&nbsp;a threat of direct rule from the Spanish government.

Puigdemont made a symbolic declaration of&nbsp;independence&nbsp;on Tuesday night, only to suspend it seconds later and call for negotiations with&nbsp;Madrid.

Spain&#39;s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has given him until Monday to clarify his position - and then until Thursday to change his mind if he insists on a split - threatening to suspend Catalonia&#39;s autonomy if he chooses&nbsp;independence.

But far-left&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;political group CUP called on Puigdemont to make an unequivocal declaration of&nbsp;independence&nbsp;in defiance of the&nbsp;deadlines.

&quot;If (the central&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;government) wants to continue to threaten and gag us, they should do it to the Republic that has already been claimed,&quot; the party said.

The CUP only holds 10 seats in the 135-seat&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;parliament. But Puigdemont&#39;s minority government relies on its support to push through legislation and cannot win a majority vote in the regional parliament without its backing.

The wealthy region&#39;s intention to break away after a referendum has plunged Spain into its worst political crisis since an attempted military coup in 1981.

Sources close to the&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;government said Puigdemont and his team were working on an answer to Rajoy though they declined to say what line he might take.

The CUP statement echoes the position expressed late on Thursday by influential pro-independence&nbsp;civic group Asamblea Nacional&nbsp;Catalana which said: &quot;Given the negative position of Spain toward dialogue, we ask the regional parliament to raise the suspension (on the declaration of&nbsp;independence).&quot;

But the&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of Puigdemont&#39;s party, Artur Mas, who served as the region&#39;s president until 2016 and is still believed to influence key decisions, said on Friday declaring&nbsp;independence&nbsp;was not the only way forward.

&quot;If a state proclaims itself independent and cannot act as such, it&#39;s an&nbsp;independence&nbsp;that is merely aesthetic,&quot; he told&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;television TV3.

&quot;The external factor must be taken into account in the decisions that will be made from now on,&quot; he said.

The European Union, the United States and most other world powers have made it clear they wanted Catalonia to remain within Spain.

&quot;If we allow Catalonia - and it is none of our business - to separate, others will do the same. I do not want that,&quot; Jean Claude Juncker said in a speech at Luxembourg University.

Puigdemont made a symbolic declaration of?independence?on Tuesday night, only to suspend it seconds later and call for negotiations with?Madrid

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont came under pressure from one of his key allies on Friday to declare full independence and ignore a threat of direct rule from the Spanish government. Puigdemont made a symbolic declaration of independence on Tuesday night, only to suspend it seconds later and call for negotiations with Madrid. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has given him until Monday to clarify his position - and then until Thursday to change his mind if he insists on a split - threatening to suspend Catalonia's autonomy if he chooses independence. But far-left Catalan political group CUP called on Puigdemont to make an unequivocal declaration of independence in defiance of the deadlines. "If (the central Madrid government) wants to continue to threaten and gag us, they should do it to the Republic that has already been claimed," the party said. The CUP only holds 10 seats in the 135-seat Catalan parliament. But Puigdemont's minority government relies on its support to push through legislation and cannot win a majority vote in the regional parliament without its backing. The wealthy region's intention to break away after a referendum has plunged Spain into its worst political crisis since an attempted military coup in 1981. Sources close to the Catalan government said Puigdemont and his team were working on an answer to Rajoy though they declined to say what line he might take. The CUP statement echoes the position expressed late on Thursday by influential pro-independence civic group Asamblea Nacional Catalana which said: "Given the negative position of Spain toward dialogue, we ask the regional parliament to raise the suspension (on the declaration of independence)." But the leader of Puigdemont's party, Artur Mas, who served as the region's president until 2016 and is still believed to influence key decisions, said on Friday declaring independence was not the only way forward. "If a state proclaims itself independent and cannot act as such, it's an independence that is merely aesthetic," he told Catalan television TV3. "The external factor must be taken into account in the decisions that will be made from now on," he said. The European Union, the United States and most other world powers have made it clear they wanted Catalonia to remain within Spain. "If we allow Catalonia - and it is none of our business - to separate, others will do the same. I do not want that," Jean Claude Juncker said in a speech at Luxembourg University.

Catalan leader Puigdemont under pressure to declare full independence

Spain today gave Catalonia&#39;s separatist leader until next week to clarify whether he intends to push ahead with independence, warning that Madrid would take control of the region if it insisted on breaking away.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed to do everything in his power to prevent Catalan secession following a banned referendum in the region, which remains deeply divided over independence.

He held an emergency cabinet meeting after Catalonia&#39;s president Carles Puigdemont announced yesterday that he had accepted the mandate for &quot;Catalonia to become an independent state.&quot;

Rajoy told lawmakers in Madrid he was giving Puigdemont until Monday to decide if he really wanted to take the path of independence.

&quot;It is very important that Puigdemont clarify for the rest of Spaniards if he declared independence yesterday or not,&quot; he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-stops-short-of-formal-independence-declaration-to-allow-talks-21251" target="_blank">Also read: Catalan leaders sign independence declaration but put it on hold</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leader-threatens-independence-after-winning-90-of-independence-vote-20881" target="_blank">Also read: Catalan leader threatens independence after winning 90% of vote</a>

Rajoy said if Puigdemont did push ahead with secession, the central government would give him until October 19 to reconsider, before suspending Catalonia&#39;s regional autonomy.

The deadline sets the clock ticking on Spain&#39;s most serious political emergency since its return to democracy four decades ago.

World leaders are watching closely and uncertainty over the fate of the region of 7.5 million people has damaged business confidence, with several listed firms already moving their legal headquarters to Madrid.

Puigdemont said the referendum had given him a mandate for independence but immediately asked regional lawmakers to suspend the declaration to allow for negotiations with the central government.

Rajoy has said he will not negotiate on anything until the separatists abandon their independence drive, and rejected calls for mediation in the crisis.

&quot;There is no mediation possible between democratic law and disobedience, illegality,&quot; he told parliament today.

Rajoy today triggered constitution article 155, which allows Madrid to impose control over its devolved regions -- an unprecedented move many fear could lead to unrest.

The article provides a warning period for any region attempting to leave Spain.

The leader of the opposition Socialist Party, Pedro Sanchez, backed Rajoy&#39;s demand for clarification in order to &quot;get out of the swamp&quot;.

While separatist leaders say 90 percent of voters opted to split from Spain in the October plebiscite, less than half of the region&#39;s eligible voters actually turned out.

The drive to break Catalonia away from Spain has raised concern for stability in a European Union still coming to terms with Britain&#39;s shock decision to leave the bloc.

The EU today urged &quot;full respect of the Spanish constitutional order&quot;.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said any unilateral independence move would be &quot;irresponsible&quot; and France said it would not recognise Catalonia&#39;s &quot;illegal&quot; bid for statehood.

Crowds of thousands gathered outside the parliament building in Barcelona yesterday ahead of Puigdemont&#39;s speech, waving Catalan flags and banners and screaming &quot;democracy&quot; in the hope of witnessing history in the making. (AFP)

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

Spain today gave Catalonia's separatist leader until next week to clarify whether he intends to push ahead with independence, warning that Madrid would take control of the region if it insisted on breaking away. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed to do everything in his power to prevent Catalan secession following a banned referendum in the region, which remains deeply divided over independence. He held an emergency cabinet meeting after Catalonia's president Carles Puigdemont announced yesterday that he had accepted the mandate for "Catalonia to become an independent state." Rajoy told lawmakers in Madrid he was giving Puigdemont until Monday to decide if he really wanted to take the path of independence. "It is very important that Puigdemont clarify for the rest of Spaniards if he declared independence yesterday or not," he said. Also read: Catalan leaders sign independence declaration but put it on hold Also read: Catalan leader threatens independence after winning 90% of vote Rajoy said if Puigdemont did push ahead with secession, the central government would give him until October 19 to reconsider, before suspending Catalonia's regional autonomy. The deadline sets the clock ticking on Spain's most serious political emergency since its return to democracy four decades ago. World leaders are watching closely and uncertainty over the fate of the region of 7.5 million people has damaged business confidence, with several listed firms already moving their legal headquarters to Madrid. Puigdemont said the referendum had given him a mandate for independence but immediately asked regional lawmakers to suspend the declaration to allow for negotiations with the central government. Rajoy has said he will not negotiate on anything until the separatists abandon their independence drive, and rejected calls for mediation in the crisis. "There is no mediation possible between democratic law and disobedience, illegality," he told parliament today. Rajoy today triggered constitution article 155, which allows Madrid to impose control over its devolved regions -- an unprecedented move many fear could lead to unrest. The article provides a warning period for any region attempting to leave Spain. The leader of the opposition Socialist Party, Pedro Sanchez, backed Rajoy's demand for clarification in order to "get out of the swamp". While separatist leaders say 90 percent of voters opted to split from Spain in the October plebiscite, less than half of the region's eligible voters actually turned out. The drive to break Catalonia away from Spain has raised concern for stability in a European Union still coming to terms with Britain's shock decision to leave the bloc. The EU today urged "full respect of the Spanish constitutional order". German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said any unilateral independence move would be "irresponsible" and France said it would not recognise Catalonia's "illegal" bid for statehood. Crowds of thousands gathered outside the parliament building in Barcelona yesterday ahead of Puigdemont's speech, waving Catalan flags and banners and screaming "democracy" in the hope of witnessing history in the making. (AFP)

Clarify intentions by next week, Spain tells Catalan President

Catalonia&#39;s police chief appeared in court in Madrid&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;to answer accusations of sedition over his handling of unrest last month sparked by the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-president-vows-region-will-declare-independence-within-days-21006" target="_blank"> region&#39;s contested independence drive</a>.

An investigating judge summoned Josep Lluis Trapero along with three other suspects, a move that escalated tensions between the regional and national governments.

Catalan leaders have threatened to declare independence in defiance of the national government and courts, after pushing ahead with a banned referendum on the issue last Sunday.

The independence dispute has laid bare a rift between Catalonia&#39;s regional police and national security forces deployed to the region.

Trapero&#39;s force was accused of failing to rein in pro-independence protesters during recent unrest in the northeastern region.

The accusations refer to unrest in Barcelona on September 20 and 21 after national security forces raided regional government offices in a crackdown against the independence drive.

Trapero arrived at Madrid&#39;s National Court&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;flanked by two fellow officers and made no comment to waiting reporters, an AFP reporter saw.

Two other defendants also arrived to answer the same charge, the leaders of Catalonia&#39;s two most prominent pro-independence civil groups, Jordi Cuixart of Omnium Cultural and Jordi Sanchez of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC)

They were greeted outside the court by a cheering crowd of politicians from allied parties.

Contested referendum&nbsp;

A small group of about eight anti-independence protesters also demonstrated outside the court yelling &quot;Catalonia is Spain,&quot; before police made them leave.

A fourth defendant, senior Catalan police official Teresa Laplana, was due to appear before the judge by video link for health reasons, court officials said.

Tensions between Catalonia and the national government have plunged Spain into its worst political crisis in decades.

Announcing the summons&nbsp;on Wednesday, the court said the four suspects were accused of &quot;a crime of sedition... in relation to the gatherings and demonstrations carried out to forcibly prevent the authorities and their officers from performing their duties.&quot;

The crime of sedition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison if committed by a member of the authorities, under Spain&#39;s penal code.

In the September demonstrations called by Omnium and ANC, protesters damaged Civil Guard police vehicles and stopped officers from leaving the building they were searching.

Police prevented the defendants&#39; supporters from entering the court building with them&nbsp;on Friday.

One Catalan lawmaker defiantly waved at police a voting paper from last Sunday&#39;s contested independence referendum.

That vote was banned by Madrid and marred by violence by national police against voters.

National security forces beat unarmed voters as officers shut down some polling stations.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/several-hundred-thousand-catalans-rally-against-occupation-forces-20963" target="_blank">Several hundred thousand Catalans rally against &#39;occupation forces&#39;</a>

An investigating judge summoned Josep Lluis Trapero along with three other suspects, a move that escalated tensions between the regional and national governments

Catalonia's police chief appeared in court in Madrid on Friday to answer accusations of sedition over his handling of unrest last month sparked by the region's contested independence drive. An investigating judge summoned Josep Lluis Trapero along with three other suspects, a move that escalated tensions between the regional and national governments. Catalan leaders have threatened to declare independence in defiance of the national government and courts, after pushing ahead with a banned referendum on the issue last Sunday. The independence dispute has laid bare a rift between Catalonia's regional police and national security forces deployed to the region. Trapero's force was accused of failing to rein in pro-independence protesters during recent unrest in the northeastern region. The accusations refer to unrest in Barcelona on September 20 and 21 after national security forces raided regional government offices in a crackdown against the independence drive. Trapero arrived at Madrid's National Court on Friday flanked by two fellow officers and made no comment to waiting reporters, an AFP reporter saw. Two other defendants also arrived to answer the same charge, the leaders of Catalonia's two most prominent pro-independence civil groups, Jordi Cuixart of Omnium Cultural and Jordi Sanchez of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) They were greeted outside the court by a cheering crowd of politicians from allied parties. Contested referendum A small group of about eight anti-independence protesters also demonstrated outside the court yelling "Catalonia is Spain," before police made them leave. A fourth defendant, senior Catalan police official Teresa Laplana, was due to appear before the judge by video link for health reasons, court officials said. Tensions between Catalonia and the national government have plunged Spain into its worst political crisis in decades. Announcing the summons on Wednesday, the court said the four suspects were accused of "a crime of sedition... in relation to the gatherings and demonstrations carried out to forcibly prevent the authorities and their officers from performing their duties." The crime of sedition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison if committed by a member of the authorities, under Spain's penal code. In the September demonstrations called by Omnium and ANC, protesters damaged Civil Guard police vehicles and stopped officers from leaving the building they were searching. Police prevented the defendants' supporters from entering the court building with them on Friday. One Catalan lawmaker defiantly waved at police a voting paper from last Sunday's contested independence referendum. That vote was banned by Madrid and marred by violence by national police against voters. National security forces beat unarmed voters as officers shut down some polling stations. Also read: Several hundred thousand Catalans rally against 'occupation forces'

Catalan police chief accused of sedition, appears in court

Spain&#39;s Constitutional Court on Thursday ordered the suspension of Monday&#39;s session of the regional Catalan parliament, throwing its plans to declare unilateral independence from Spain into doubt.

There was no immediate reaction from Catalan leaders who held an independence referendum on Sunday that was banned by Madrid and marked by violent scenes at electoral stations where Spanish police sought to hinder voting.

The suspension order further aggravated one of the biggest political crises to hit Spain since the establishment of democracy following the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975. But it helped Spanish markets hit in recent days by the uncertainty.

The court said it had agreed to consider a legal challenge filed by the anti-secessionist Catalan Socialist Party.

Spanish shares and bonds, which have been hit by the political turmoil in Catalonia, strengthened after the news of the Constitutional Court&#39;s decision.

The main IBEX stock index rose 2.3 per cent, on track for its biggest daily gain in a month, and Spain&#39;s 10-year bond yield was set for its biggest daily fall since April.

Spain&#39;s Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told Reuters in an interview the turmoil was damaging Catalonia.

&quot;This is generating uncertainty that is paralysing all investment projects in Catalonia. I&#39;m convinced that, right now, not one international or national investor will take part in a new investment project until this is cleared up,&quot; he said.

Spain&#39;s fifth-largest bank, Sabadell, will consider on Thursday whether to shift its headquarters away from Catalonia in the first major sign that the wealthy region&#39;s push for independence from Spain could scare away big business.

Caixabank, Spain&#39;s third largest lender by market capitalisation, is also considering moving its legal base outside Catalonia, a source with knowledge of the situation said. A spokesman for the bank said no decision had been taken on a move.

Opinion polls conducted before the vote suggested a minority of around 40 percent of residents in Catalonia backed independence. But a majority wanted a referendum to be held, and the violent police crackdown angered Catalans across the divide.

&#39;Greater evils&#39;

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called on Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on Thursday to abandon plans to unilaterally declare independence from Spain or risk &quot;greater evils&quot;.

In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE, Rajoy said the solution to the Catalan crisis was a prompt return to legality and &quot;a statement as soon as possible that there will not be a unilateral declaration of independence because that will also avoid greater evils,&quot; Rajoy said.

He did not elaborate but ruling party lawmakers say that Rajoy, a conservative who has taken a hard line on Catalan independence, is considering the unprecedented step of dissolving the Catalan parliament and triggering regional elections.

Catalan officials released preliminary referendum results showing 90 percent support in favour of breaking away. But turnout was only about 43 percent as Catalans who favour remaining part of Spain mainly boycotted the ballot and many polling stations were closed.

Puigdemont said he was not afraid of being arrested for organising Sunday&#39;s banned referendum.

&quot;Personally, I am not afraid of that,&quot; Puigdemont said in an interview in the German daily Bild, published on Thursday, when asked about his possible arrest.

&quot;And I&#39;m not surprised anymore about what the Spanish government is doing. My arrest is also possible, which would be a barbaric step.&quot;

Neither the Spanish government nor the judiciary has threatened to arrest Puigdemont, though Madrid accuses him of breaking the law by ignoring a Constitutional Court ruling forbidding the referendum from going ahead.

On Wednesday, in a televised address, Puigdemont renewed his call for international mediation but said the results of the referendum would have to be applied.

Puigdemont has not explained the scope of his proposal for international mediation, whether it would envisage a compromise short of independence or deal only with divorce arrangements.

Rajoy has ruled out international mediation as a format for resolving the future of Catalonia, offering instead all-party Spanish political talks to find a solution, on the condition independence is taken off the table.

Sunday&#39;s crackdown by Spanish police, Rajoy&#39;s hardline stance and an uncharacteristically strong intervention this week by Spain&#39;s King Felipe VI seems to have deepened Catalonia&#39;s resolve to continue with the project.

&quot;We will go as far as people want it. But without the use of force. We were always a peaceful movement. And I am sure that Spain will not be able to ignore the will of so many people,&quot; Puigdemont told Bild.

Spain's Constitution Court ordered the suspension of Monday's Parliament session

Spain's Constitutional Court on Thursday ordered the suspension of Monday's session of the regional Catalan parliament, throwing its plans to declare unilateral independence from Spain into doubt. There was no immediate reaction from Catalan leaders who held an independence referendum on Sunday that was banned by Madrid and marked by violent scenes at electoral stations where Spanish police sought to hinder voting. The suspension order further aggravated one of the biggest political crises to hit Spain since the establishment of democracy following the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975. But it helped Spanish markets hit in recent days by the uncertainty. The court said it had agreed to consider a legal challenge filed by the anti-secessionist Catalan Socialist Party. Spanish shares and bonds, which have been hit by the political turmoil in Catalonia, strengthened after the news of the Constitutional Court's decision. The main IBEX stock index rose 2.3 per cent, on track for its biggest daily gain in a month, and Spain's 10-year bond yield was set for its biggest daily fall since April. Spain's Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told Reuters in an interview the turmoil was damaging Catalonia. "This is generating uncertainty that is paralysing all investment projects in Catalonia. I'm convinced that, right now, not one international or national investor will take part in a new investment project until this is cleared up," he said. Spain's fifth-largest bank, Sabadell, will consider on Thursday whether to shift its headquarters away from Catalonia in the first major sign that the wealthy region's push for independence from Spain could scare away big business. Caixabank, Spain's third largest lender by market capitalisation, is also considering moving its legal base outside Catalonia, a source with knowledge of the situation said. A spokesman for the bank said no decision had been taken on a move. Opinion polls conducted before the vote suggested a minority of around 40 percent of residents in Catalonia backed independence. But a majority wanted a referendum to be held, and the violent police crackdown angered Catalans across the divide. 'Greater evils' Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called on Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on Thursday to abandon plans to unilaterally declare independence from Spain or risk "greater evils". In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE, Rajoy said the solution to the Catalan crisis was a prompt return to legality and "a statement as soon as possible that there will not be a unilateral declaration of independence because that will also avoid greater evils," Rajoy said. He did not elaborate but ruling party lawmakers say that Rajoy, a conservative who has taken a hard line on Catalan independence, is considering the unprecedented step of dissolving the Catalan parliament and triggering regional elections. Catalan officials released preliminary referendum results showing 90 percent support in favour of breaking away. But turnout was only about 43 percent as Catalans who favour remaining part of Spain mainly boycotted the ballot and many polling stations were closed. Puigdemont said he was not afraid of being arrested for organising Sunday's banned referendum. "Personally, I am not afraid of that," Puigdemont said in an interview in the German daily Bild, published on Thursday, when asked about his possible arrest. "And I'm not surprised anymore about what the Spanish government is doing. My arrest is also possible, which would be a barbaric step." Neither the Spanish government nor the judiciary has threatened to arrest Puigdemont, though Madrid accuses him of breaking the law by ignoring a Constitutional Court ruling forbidding the referendum from going ahead. On Wednesday, in a televised address, Puigdemont renewed his call for international mediation but said the results of the referendum would have to be applied. Puigdemont has not explained the scope of his proposal for international mediation, whether it would envisage a compromise short of independence or deal only with divorce arrangements. Rajoy has ruled out international mediation as a format for resolving the future of Catalonia, offering instead all-party Spanish political talks to find a solution, on the condition independence is taken off the table. Sunday's crackdown by Spanish police, Rajoy's hardline stance and an uncharacteristically strong intervention this week by Spain's King Felipe VI seems to have deepened Catalonia's resolve to continue with the project. "We will go as far as people want it. But without the use of force. We were always a peaceful movement. And I am sure that Spain will not be able to ignore the will of so many people," Puigdemont told Bild.

Spanish court suspends Parliament session at which Catalonia was expected to declare independence

The leader of Catalonia called for international mediation on Monday to resolve a stand-off with Madrid, the day after hundreds were injured as police tried to forcibly disrupt a referendum on independence that had been ruled illegal.

&quot;It is not a domestic matter,&quot; Carles Puigdemont told a news conference on Monday. &quot;It&#39;s obvious that we need mediation.&quot;

Sunday&#39;s events in the autonomous region dramatically raised the temperature in a festering split between Madrid and Barcelona and made it harder for the two sides to sit down to try to find a political compromise.

Images of riot police using rubber bullets and batons in a show of force to stop the vote shocked Spain and drew international condemnation. Authorities said almost 900 people had been injured.

Puigdemont had gone ahead with the referendum in defiance of a court order. On Monday, he said the vote was valid and binding, and had to be applied.

He urged Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to say whether he was in favour of mediation in talks over the region&#39;s future, which he said should be overseen by the European Union.

He added that he had received no indication that the EU could sponsor this mediating role, and said Brussels had been timid and lacked courage on the matter.

In a statement issued shortly before Puigdemont made his proposal, the European Commission said: &quot;We call on all relevant players to now move very swiftly from confrontation to dialogue. Violence can never be an instrument in politics.&quot;

The ballot, which asked voters if they wanted an independent republic, has no legal status as it was banned by Spain&#39;s Constitutional Court for being at odds with the 1978 constitution, which states Spain cannot be broken up.

The overwhelming &quot;Yes&quot; vote among the 42 percent who authorities said had made it to the polls was not a surprise as those favouring continued union had been expected to stay at home en masse. Opinion polls in the run-up to the vote had put support for independence at only around 40 percent.

On Monday, Justice Minister Rafael Catala said Spain could use its constitutional power to suspend Catalan&#39;s existing autonomy if the regional parliament declared independence.

&quot;We will use the entire force of the law. Our obligation is to resolve problems and we&#39;ll do it, even though using certain measures might hurt,&quot; he said in a television interview.

Carles Puigdemont also called for international mediation

The leader of Catalonia called for international mediation on Monday to resolve a stand-off with Madrid, the day after hundreds were injured as police tried to forcibly disrupt a referendum on independence that had been ruled illegal. "It is not a domestic matter," Carles Puigdemont told a news conference on Monday. "It's obvious that we need mediation." Sunday's events in the autonomous region dramatically raised the temperature in a festering split between Madrid and Barcelona and made it harder for the two sides to sit down to try to find a political compromise. Images of riot police using rubber bullets and batons in a show of force to stop the vote shocked Spain and drew international condemnation. Authorities said almost 900 people had been injured. Puigdemont had gone ahead with the referendum in defiance of a court order. On Monday, he said the vote was valid and binding, and had to be applied. He urged Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to say whether he was in favour of mediation in talks over the region's future, which he said should be overseen by the European Union. He added that he had received no indication that the EU could sponsor this mediating role, and said Brussels had been timid and lacked courage on the matter. In a statement issued shortly before Puigdemont made his proposal, the European Commission said: "We call on all relevant players to now move very swiftly from confrontation to dialogue. Violence can never be an instrument in politics." The ballot, which asked voters if they wanted an independent republic, has no legal status as it was banned by Spain's Constitutional Court for being at odds with the 1978 constitution, which states Spain cannot be broken up. The overwhelming "Yes" vote among the 42 percent who authorities said had made it to the polls was not a surprise as those favouring continued union had been expected to stay at home en masse. Opinion polls in the run-up to the vote had put support for independence at only around 40 percent. On Monday, Justice Minister Rafael Catala said Spain could use its constitutional power to suspend Catalan's existing autonomy if the regional parliament declared independence. "We will use the entire force of the law. Our obligation is to resolve problems and we'll do it, even though using certain measures might hurt," he said in a television interview.

Catalan President says independence vote is valid, has to be applied

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