After a tense full parliament session and several weeks of suspense, the Catalan regional government has voted to break from Spain, with 70 votes in favor, 10 against and two abstentions.
The Spanish Senate swiftly responded to Catalonia's self-declared independence by voting to apply Article 155 of the country's Constitution with 214 in favor, 47 against and one abstention. The constitutional article gives the Spanish government heavy reach to take direct control over Catalonia's government institutions and "restore order."
During her address to Parliament, Marta Rovira of JxSi, said "I’m suffering political persecution for what i think. Remember we are here to complete the Oct. 1 mandate and protect the basic rights of democracy. The sovereignty is for the (Catalan) people and it always was.”
Following the announcement of Catalonia's independence, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for "tranquility among all Spaniards." He added that the government "will restore legality in Catalonia."