Puigdemont may call elections, but this will not stop Article 155, says Rajoy

But Spanish president Mariano Rajoy has said even a regional election will not stop him activating Article 155.

Rajoy says this action is 'the only possible solution' to 're-establish legality' in Catalunya.

His main opposition, the PSOE, says it would be 'wrong' to apply Article 155 if Catalunya called an election – especially if Puigdemont does not make a unilateral declaration of independence.

Party chair and former environment and health minister Cristina Narbona said: “If Sr Puigdemont accepts the Constitutional and legal framework in calling a regional election, there is not room for the application of Article 155. We're not just saying this now – we've always said it.”

“The PSOE has always negotiated with the government before considering Article 155 if regional elections are called within the provisions of the law,” adds socialist spokesman in the Senate, Ander Gil, referring to a move by the Basque Country to declare independence back in 2004 – known as the 'Ibarretxe Plan' – which fell through when a regional election was called.

Puigdemont is expected to appear in the Senate tomorrow (Thursday) evening or possibly Friday morning, and is due to call a regional Parliamentary meeting beforehand.