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Spain set to strip Catalonia of powers over independence bid

Barcelona, Spain • The crisis over Catalonia’s quest for independence escalated Thursday, as Spain’s central government prepared the unprecedented step of stripping the wealthy region of some of its self-governing powers after its leader refused to abandon secession.

In his latest display of brinkmanship, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy just minutes before a deadline set by Madrid for him to backtrack on his calls to secede.

Puigdemont didn’t back down, however, and threatened to go ahead with a unilateral proclamation of independence if the government refuses to negotiate.