For Catalans, the Question Is Compliance or Defiance to Madrid
- Puigdemont calls for ‘democratic opposition’ to Spanish rulers
- Televised statement follows his ouster by Rajoy government
Catalan Leader Flees to Brussels, Presses for Freedom
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Normal weekend routines like shopping, soccer and strolling prevailed in Catalonia even as the first test of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s decision to take over the breakaway region approached, with Catalans weighing compliance versus defiance.
When schools and government offices open Monday, teachers and civil servants will decide whether to follow the ousted Catalan leaders’ calls to resist their Spanish masters or acquiesce to the new reality. A smooth transition in the Catalan police force, with the new chief accepting Madrid’s rule, marked an initial success for Rajoy.