Puigdemont may speak in Senate ahead of Article 155 vote

With the reigning right-wing PP in a majority in the Senate, the vote is likely to be no more than a formality and would effectively – although not officially – see the end of Catalunya's autonomy, the first of Spain's 17 regions ever to lose its devolved powers.

Puigdemont has been called to appeal in the Senate this Thursday, the day before the vote, but will not be allowed to be present when it takes place.

He has not taken a decision on his possible appearance as yet.

Pro-secessionists in Catalunya believe the best response to the activating of Article 155 is to make a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI).

Spanish government opposition party, the PSOE, says the only way Article 155 can be avoided is if Puigdemont scraps the whole idea of independence, or with a fresh regional election.

As a result, Barcelona's mayoress – who is against independence but in favour of the people being allowed to vote in a legal, non-binding referendum – is considering breaking away from the PSOE, with whom she governs in coalition.

Meanwhile, vice-president of the High Chamber Pedro Sanz says it would be 'a very positive move' for Puigdemont to give his own arguments against a drastic step on behalf of the national government which looks almost a foregone conclusion.

The main separatist party, the CUP, has called for a mass citizen uprising, but 'without violence'.

It is urging Catalunya's regional government to 'proclaim a Republic as soon as possible'.

Puigdemont, following the October 1 referendum, effectively declared independence, but said he would suspend its effects for two months to give time for talks to begin between his cabinet and the State.

The State, however, has refused to discuss anything linked to either a referendum or independence, saying both are illegal as they are banned by the Spanish Constitution.