As weekend routines of normalcy prevailed in Catalonia, the first test of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's decision to take over the breakaway region approached, with many having to choose between compliance and defiance.
When schools and government offices open Monday, teachers and civil servants will decide whether to follow the ousted Catalan leaders' calls to resist their Spanish masters or acquiesce to the new reality. A smooth transition in the Catalan police force, with the new chief accepting Madrid's rule, marked an initial success for Rajoy.
"The more moderate and pragmatic elements probably realize they're not going to get very far," said Caroline Gray, a lecturer in politics and Spanish at Aston University in the U.K. who specializes in nationalist movements. "The more radical elements, however, are in the parallel universe of the new republic — and that disconnect worries me. The situation could turn unpredictable if Spain moves in to take control."