Puigdemont urges supporters to remain peaceful after independence declaration

Fresh from a parliamentary session on Friday that declared independence from Spain, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont urged supporters to "maintain the momentum" in a peaceful manner, as Madrid was poised to impose direct rule on the region.

Published: 27 October 2017 17:00 CEST

Puigdemont urges supporters to remain peaceful after independence declaration

Catalan lawmakers singing their anthem following a declaration of independence. Photo: Josep Lago/AFP

“You will have to maintain the momentum of this country in the coming hours, particularly where peace, civic responsibility and dignity are concerned,” he told lawmakers and onlookers in Barcelona.

Catalonia's Vice President Oriol Junqueras talked about defending universal values like “liberty and equality”. “We are convinced that we can share our universal values and be a single people, inclusive and with equal rights for all citizens,” he added.

As you know, Catalans always favour the force of arguments. #peace #democracy #dialogue https://t.co/IAcwfjUbbv

— Carles Puigdemont (@KRLS) October 27, 2017

As the two regional leaders spoke, Spain's Senate was busy approving powers for the Spanish government to dissolve Catalonia’s executive in order to end the independence drive.

“We have to take the measures necessary to re-establish the rule of law. The state will act in a measured and effective way as it has until now,” Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy said after his government was granted the power to intervene in Catalan autonomy by Spain’s upper house.