Spain imposes direct rule over Catalonia

As Catalonia's sacked leader Carles Puigdemont called on the Catalan people to peacefully oppose Spain's takeover of the autonomous region, demonstrators took to the streets in Barcelona. Some carried the flag of Catalonia in support of independence, while others waved the flag of Spain for unity.

The government says recognition by the international community is crucial, as the crisis is closely followed by the European Union. Catalonia isn't the only region in Europe looking for independence. Experts say the EU is now facing a big challenge since many other regions are encouraged to move towards autonomy. How can Spain impose direct rule over Catalonia without alienating its people? Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for EU Studies at Renmin University of China, Prof. Pablo Aguiar Molina, research expert at the International Catalan Institute for Peace (ICIP) and Nicholas Whyte, senior director and head of services to government in APCO's Brussels office, weigh in on the issue.

Follow us on: