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Deutsche Welle (4 October 2017)

Spanish King Felipe VI said Tuesday evening that he was committed to the country's "unity and permanence" and strongly condemned Catalan leaders for holding a referendum on independence that he said undermined the rule of law.

In a rare televised speech to the nation, the 49-year-old king said the conduct of Catalan authorities was "irresponsible" and had undermined social cohesion in the Spanish region and challenged Spanish democratic institutions.

"Today, Catalan society is fractured and confronted," Felipe said, adding that "very serious moments for our democratic life" had occurred since Sunday's contentious vote.

The king said the monarchy was dedicated to the Spanish constitution and that "it is the responsibility of the legitimate state powers to ensure constitutional order."