New Republic and 155 in world’s press
The proclamation of the Catalan Republic and the imposition of Art. 155 captures headlines in world press
As expected, the focus of interest of the international press, was on the Catalan capital and the Senate in Madrid yesterday. The declaration of independence by Parliament made front page everywhere.
In France, Le Monde opened its digital edition with the headline: “Catalan Parliament votes in favour of independence, Madrid responds,” similar to Libération, “Catalonia declares independence, and Madrid takes control”. Le Figaro cited, “Catalan Parliament declares independence.”
The Guardian, a major UK paper, gave the leading role in the response by the State “Spain imposes its law after Catalonia votes to declare independence.” The article signed by Sam Jones and Stephen Burgen highlighted the fact that the Senate gave Mariano Rajoy “unprecedented powers to impose direct rule on the Catalans.” The Independent used similar terms: “The Spanish Senate approves measures to take direct control of Catalonia” The Times in its online edition reported “Catalonia votes to secede from Spain.” In Scotland, pro-sovereignty newspaper The Natioal said: “Scottish Executive supports the right of Catalans to decide their future.”
In Italy, both the La Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica both focused on the outburst of joy in Barcelona’s streets following the declaration.
In Germany, Der Spiegel’s digital page was to the point:”Conflict with Madrid, The Parliament of Catalonia votes for independence.” Frankfurter Algmeneine was even more direct, “Madrid and Barcelona place Spain on the verge of an abyss.”
In the US, The New York Times focused on Madrid: “Spain mobilises to take control of Catalonia” and The Washington Post termed the declaration a measure “without precedent”.