The standoff between Spain and Catalonia over the region’s move to secede approached a crucial juncture Thursday as the pro-independence Catalan leader ruled out calling an early election that some had hoped would defuse tensions with the Spanish government.
In a hastily called address in Barcelona, regional President Carles Puigdemont said he considered calling the snap election, but was choosing not to because the government did not provide enough assurance that it would suspend its “abusive” measures to assume control of Catalonia in return for the vote.
“Consequently I can’t organize parliamentary elections,” he said. “There is no guarantee that justifies elections.”
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‘Up to regional parliament’
Mr. Puigdemont said it now was up to the existing regional parliament to determine how to respond to the Spanish government’s plan to take over significant powers from the region.