Spain’s king says Catalan leaders broke the laws of the state

Spain’s king has said the leaders of Catalonia have broken the law and shown an inadmissible lack of loyalty.
Addressing the nation after days of unrest, King Felipe said the region’s leaders had behaved irresponsibly and are risking the whole country’s economic stability.
He went on to back Spain’s government, saying the Catalan referendum for independence was illegal and undemocratic, and adding that the state needs to ensure constitutional order and the rule of law.
“Today Catalan society is fractured and in conflict,” he said, referring to the crisis as a “very serious moment for our democratic life”.
King Felipe made the address on the day of a massive Catalan general strike , held on Tuesday in protest at Spain’s response to the weekend’s referendum.
Around 300,000 people took to the streets of Barcelona, closing metro stations, schools and cafes and in some places bringing the city to a standstill.
Crowds shouted for national security to leave the city, branding them “occupation forces”, and Barcelona football club refused to train as part of the strike.
Images of police using rubber bullets and batons on voters were broadcast worldwide over the weekend – prompting
condemnation internationally and intensifying the anger that brought Catalans to the streets.
Some 900 people were injured as police attempted to prevent people casting their ballots in the referendum, which has been controversial in both Spain and Catalonia.
Patrons at a bar in Spain watch as King Felipe makes a televised address to the nation
Officials claim that 90% of Catalans who voted backed leaving Spain , but turnout for the referendum barely exceeded 40%.
Catalan leaders are mulling a possible declaration of independence following the poll, but Spain’s government has said it will respond with “all necessary measures” against defiance.
Carles Puigdemont, the region’s elected leader, has asked for EU mediation in negotiations and said Catalonia has “won the right to an independent state”.
The king’s speech comes as he is holding talks with national opposition leaders to attempt to find a solution to the crisis, which could include suspending Catalonia’s government.
In his speech, he said it was the “responsibility of legitimate state powers to ensure constitutional order”.
“They have placed themselves totally outside the law and democracy,” he said of the Catalan leadership.
“These authorities have despised the affections and solidarity feelings that have united and will unite all Spaniards.”