Spain: Catalan crisis reaches point of no return: Spain PM Rajoy demands direct rule

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has called on senators to approve direct rule over Catalonia, amid an escalating crisis over the region's push for independence. 

He said he wanted to dismiss Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his vice-president and all regional ministers.

Meanwhile the Catalan regional parliament is holding a vote on unilaterally declaring independence.

Earlier this month Catalonia held a disputed referendum on the issue.

NOTE EU-DIGEST: The Catalan Parliament voted overwhelmingly this afternoon (Friday) in favor of declaring independence from Spain, taking the country's deepening political crisis into uncharted territory.

The Spanish government is now expected to begin moves at the weekend to remove from office ( arrest) the Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his ministers, and impose direct rule from Madrid.

Situation is quite tense in Barcelona.

Read more: Catalan crisis: Spain PM Rajoy demands direct rule - BBC News