Madrid refuses to relinquish control over Catalonia

Spain will maintain central government control over Catalonia after the region’s new leader nominated imprisoned and exiled politicians to join his cabinet, El Pais reports. Catalonia's new leader Quim Torra named his cabinet on Sunday, including politicians who are either in jail awaiting trial or in self-imposed exile for their part in Catalonia’s independence drive. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy denounced the move as a provocation and has gained the support of the Socialist Party in blocking the formation of the cabinet. The new Catalan government must be ratified by Madrid before it can take power.