Catalonia independence: Carles Puigdemont 'could run if not in jail'
Spain's foreign minister has repeated his government's position that the sacked Catalan leader could run in new elections in December, but stressed that meant only if he was not in jail.
Alfonso Dastis spoke as a huge rally for Spanish unity was held in Catalonia's largest city, Barcelona.
Carles Puigdemont was removed from office after Madrid stripped Catalonia of autonomy for declaring independence.
Spain's central government has now taken control of Catalan institutions.
Spain's chief prosecutor is preparing to file criminal charges against Mr Puigdemont and other Catalan officials for breaching Spanish law.
This could possibly happen as soon as Monday, the first working day since the independence declaration and the Spanish counter-measures.
Mr Puigdemont has said he does not recognise the order from Madrid removing him from power.
Mr Dastis told Sky News: "We are not taking autonomy away from Catalonia. We are just re-establishing it, in fact."
He added: "Reality is already sinking in, will continue sinking in and they will realise that they cannot do something without the authority of law and they will be usurping authority."
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido has written to all police officers in Catalonia asking for their loyalty as a "new era" begins in the region.
He reminded members of the regional police, who are now under direct control from Madrid, of their duty to obey orders and to guarantee "the rights and liberties of all".
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