Theresa may, who is headed into talks with the block. Also coming up, the clock ticks down to elections in japan. Our correspondent meets the three front runners on the campaign trail. Thank you for joining us. We start with catalonia, where Carles Puigdemont faced a final deadline this morning to drop a bid for secession from spain. Has notfor independence been abandoned. The Central Government has announced it will move ahead in suspending catalan autonomy. Many fear that could lead to unrest and catalonia. We have heard from the government spokesman for spain, who talked about the lack of clarity from the catalan leadership. Question ofthe whether or not catalonia had declared independence was asked, in the clearest terms, we did not receive an answer. The Spanish Government will therefore continue with the procedures outlined in article to of the constitution restore legality in catalonias government. For more, we are joined by our International Affairs editor. Pushed intoas been a corner here. Will he eventually have to backpedal . Analyst at the moment, the dynamic is going against that on both sides. Puigdemont is under pressure at home, first of all, because the proindependence catalans, although they did not constitute a majority in opinion polls before the vote, are perhaps the most vocal. You remember those protests outside the Catalan Parliament when he made his suspended declaration of independence. They are still disappointed by that. And there is a slim majority of proindependence parties in the Catalan Parliament. I think those things are going are pushing him ahead toward nsuspending independence if spain does send these forces according to article 105. All of this is going toward giving puigdemont this opportunity to keep holding the moral high ground, as he would in this narrative of repression by the spanish state. I do not see how that can be reversed at this point. Stand ofe are at a here, on the break of a potential crisis. Why is the e. U. Staying out of this, not mediating, at a time when we know all of this could eventually impact the bloc . At the European Parliament yesterday. I spoke to a very senior official on one of the committees there. He sort of gave me a sense that the idea of setting a precedent is actually very important to european leaders at the moment. Examples he mentioned firstly, on scotland, he said, remember that scotland held a referendum because there was an agreement between london and edinburgh at the time. What happens if the cattle am crisis as if the Catalan Crisis escalates . Will that force european authorities to say, if they did this unilaterally, we cannot have an agreement with london, why can we do the same . On another possible precedents that was mentioned in this interview lombardy and venice are regions in northern italy holding a referendum this weekend. We talked about that. Anchor there is so much fear this is setting precedents for other regions. Analyst the thing with northern italy is, these are two nonb inding referendums, but guess what . The catalan referendum in 2014 was nonbinding as well, and look where we are today. Anchor thank you for that analysis. As we just heard, in order to suspend catalonias autonomy, Mariano Rajoy will have to invoke what is called article 155 of the spanish constitution, but what exactly does this article entail . Reporter spain is a notoriously decentralized country. Grants 17h government autonomous regions varying degrees of political autonomy in health, education, security, or, and environmental policy. At the 1978 constitution also contains a safeguard for the Spanish Government. Article 155 unless the Central Government to take control over autonomous regions in times of crisis. If a selfgoverning community does not fulfill the obligations orosed by the constitution other laws, or acts in a way that is seriously prejudicial to the general interests of spain, the government, following approval granted by the overall majority of the senate, can take all measures necessary to compel the community to meet said obligations, which detect the abovementioned general interest. The article is short and relatively imprecise. The second paragraph vaguely stipulates that the government may issue instructions to all the authorities of the selfgoverning communities. Article 155 has never been uses, takiking it difficult to know ww itit would be applied in practi. Specialist, this the government could choose between a number of different measures to restrict catalonias autonomy. It could be anything from economic intervention to control over the Autonomous Police forces. Or even control over the regions institutions. And we could even get to a point where the government makes the decision to dissolve the regional parliament. And hold early elections. Reporter to trigger article 155, Mariano Rajoy will have to submit the exact measures he intends to invoke in the spanish senate. Lets now cross to sarah morris, who is in barcelona. Both of the governments have spoken this thursday. What next . Well, we heard that expose talking about the various options available to the Spanish Government. We know they are talking very closely with the socialist opposition and with the citizens party, each is the fourthlargest force in the spanish parliament, the secondlargest force in the Catalan Parliament. Government of spain really wants some consensus on this matter, as it is so contentious and because this is the third time that article 155 has ever been used. The hind me, at the catalan government, we know they are also talking to their allies. Yesow the together for coalition, which does not have a majority, is talking. Decorate the court has said they want a declaration of independence very soon. They feel the referendum was binding even though it was judged illegal by the constitutionalal court. They say 90 of cattle lands who voted in that referendum want to break away from spain and want it to happen soon. What we dont know is, when with that declaration of independence come . When would it be voted for in the parliament . What preparations are going on behind those walls behind me, to set in motion that independent republic . A lot of people who are proindependence are very excited, but we do not know what kind of independent republic it would look like. With that mean taking over institutions which would provoke a reaction pretty speedily from the Spanish Government . Inhor you are currently barcelona, which is very much at the center of this crisis. Ns must be extremely concerned about their future. Are. they certainly there is excitement from those who think an independent republic would be fairer and a better place to live, but many people who are worried and are against independence are phoning up local radio stations and televisions and asking what would happen to their pension if the independent republic was not in the European Union, as it is expected it would not be. What would happen to the savings in their banks. Some experts have even advised shed bankset up a spaint in another part of to make sure savings are protected. At the moment, any savings in the European Union are protected by the European Central bank. Well aboutrns as jobs, Big Companies that have moved their headquarters out of catalonia to other parts of spspain, now about 800 companie. The sarah morris reporting from barcelona. She will be bringing us the latest on this story throughout the day. Also this thursday, brexit negotiations for theresa may, heading to a European Union summit in brussels. The british Prime Minister has pledged to treat e. U. Residents well once her country leaves, in a bid to bring around her counterparts in negotiations. Although both sides are eager to reach an agreement, brexit talks are in deadlock. Neither camp is willing to concede on the cost of the exit settlement, with brussels saying the 20 billion euros outlined by may in september is not enough. We have to work really hard in between october and december bit t december to finalize this phase. Reporter at a summit on thursday, theresa may plans to change the talks by offering more concessions for the 3 million in use citizens currently living in the u. K. She is expected to make it as easy as possible for them to stay. Try minister may we are in the process of a negotiation on brexit. We will leave the European Union in march of 2019 and we are negotiating for the best deal we can for the united kingdom. Reporter the summit comes as may is under increasing rusher from her own party to reach a deal, with calls for her to walk away. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will also be in brussels on thursday, to meet e. U. Lawmakers and try to break the brexit logjam. Corbyn many peoples jobs and Living Standards depend on the success of these negotiations. If this government cannot negotiate a deal for britain, they should make way for a team that can. With only 17 months to marchil britain leaves in 2019, may is being pushed from all sides to push talks forward or risk leaving without a deal. Anchor in japan, millions are heading to the polls in a snap election called by shinzo abe. Who are the main candidates . Our reporter headed to the campaign trail to take a looook. It only had six members when it was formed in early october. Now, the constitutional democratic party, headed by yukio, has emerged as a dark course in the race. It is attracting people uncomfortable with government plans to reform the constitution. A government that does not respect to the constitution has no legitimacy. These candidates are remnants of the democratic party, formerly the biggest opposition group. It was knocked out of existence by scandndals. People were going home, the rightwing governor of tokyo called on voters to say goodbye to the tired old politics by the elite. We cannot change society unless we get rid of politicians who are tied up in vested interests. I support her call to change this and create a new society. The party of hope became the biggest Opposition Movement overnight. His Party Struggle to gain momentum, shinzo abe toured the country, trying to convince voters the Ruling Coalition was the only one capable of protecting the nation against regional threats. Abe we are going to force north korea to open up and start a dialogue. Reporter with the main opposition parties being only two weeks old, the Prime Ministers gamble may pay off on sunday. Anchor time for business news. Starting with the Market Reaction to o our top story, whh is the crisis between the catalan and Spanish Governments. Delano stocks across europe are trading in the read this thursday after spain said it would suspend catalonias autonomy. The ibex in madrid at leading the declines, trading down 0. 8 . Across all the main indexes, including the tack and the dax, all down over half a percent. Tourism authorities in the spanish region of catalonia say there has been a drop in the number of visitors over the last month. In august, a terror attack took place on las ramblas. But followed from the political crisis is also weighing on tourist city sentiment. Reporter last year, 18 million torists came to catalonia grab some son, take a dip, and visit its cultural hotspots. It o over the lastst monon, sine the october 1 1 refereum o on independence, the Tourism Industry has been feeling the pinch. A drop of 15 compared to last year. That is triple the dip that occurred when the region was hit by terrorist attacks in august. Then, tourism slipped by 5 , but rebounded quickly. This time, losses could reach 1. 8 billion euros. Ia,front of the sagrada famil tourists abound, but many hesitated to come. We have been talking about whether to stay or go for two weeks. We decided to stay because they need our money, these separatists. Therter in this hotel in historic center, reservations have been falling fast. Look at november. We are supposed to be fully booked but only have reservations for 60 of the hotels. Fewer clients, and many of those that have made the trip are apprehensive. All the tourists are worried. I tell them it is fine, just a political crisis. Reporter but worries remain about violence in the streets. It is true it is a bit scary, because apparently there were some fights. Thister on las ramblas, souvenir shop has lost 20 and profits. If the situation gets worse, it will be an issue for me and the entire sect or. Tourism somerop in argue is just the end of the summer season. Delano poor weather in europe and hurricanes and the americans hit thirdquarter results of unilever. The Consumer Goods Group reported sales of 13. 2 billion 2. 6 . An increase of sales in emerging markets rose 6. 3 , that fell 2. 3 in developed markets. Unilevers chief executive says there are signs of improvement in some of the biggest markets, including china and india. The chinese economy grew 6. 8 in the Third Quarter of 2017. The figure is above the governments for your target. The number released as the communist Party Conference is underway in china. Yesterday, xi jinping said the economy rose during his first five years in office. Chinas growth target for 2017 is around 6. 5 . According to experts, the l latt figure indicates the chinesese economy does very well on the surface, but many the surface, potential market stress is still persist. Higher earliered this week as Oil Companies remain in wait and see mode in how u. S. Sanctions on iran could escalate. The market also reacting to tensions in the middle east after iraqi forces took control of the kurdishheld territory of kirkuk. The government in baghdad has urged british firm bp to quickly make plans to develop the oil field. Iraq wants to double kirkuks oil output to over one Million Barrels per day. The Iraqi Oil Ministry is warning companies not to sign contracts with the region of kurdistan. The Pacific Island nation of start issuingill green bonds. The funds raised will be used by fiji to meet the challenges of Climate Change. According to the world bank, green bonds are fixed income, liquid Financial Instruments that are used to raise funds dedicated to starting climate to fighting Climate Change. Be offered an attractive investment proposition as well as an opportunity to support environmentally sound projects. Here is what the finance minister had to say. Take a listen. N. We decided to go with a green bond. It gives the ability to raise funds. But it also creates a particular level of awareness in the International Markets awareness within the region and gives people the opportunity to be able to invest in the area of Climate Change and help Vulnerable Countries like ours. Are the only sovereign in thehe Pacific Region to issue green bonds. We hope the green bonds can also provide an opportunity to our neighboring Pacific Island countries. Delano fijis economy minister speaking. Back to you. Latest business news. Now, time for the press review. Time for a browse through the pages. Thanks for joining us. Lets start with reactions to chinese president xi jinpings speech yesterday at the communist party congress. Analyst we have been looking gt the front pages of the chinese papers. Striding into a new era. That is what the china daily says, with a regal photo of xi jinping. A new era, heralded by the leader himself, to build china into a modern socialist country. The Shanghai Daily says president xi used the phrase times in that speech. The paper hails his vision for a prosperorous china im quotig which will hold income inequality and pollution. From the western press, there is a lot more skepticism. The guardian reminds us the event is all about mr. Xi. Many suspect he will not step 2022, per the president ial term limits, and he is not expected to put forward an heir. He is the master of all and it seems he wants to keep it that way. Anchor from one closely watched leader to another donald trump. Analyst donald trump is embroiled in a controversy. La David Johnson was an american servicemen killed in niger. His name has become a National Headline because trump called up his pregnant widow to offer condolences, as president s do, and told her, he must have known what he signed up for. In the process, he made this pregnant women cry pregnant women cry, and even worse, did not seem to remember the name of the soldier, trumping public outrage. Donald trump has denied the events, but johnsons family who were present during the call say it did happen that way. Richard wolff from the guardian rips into the president , saying, and you thought there was nothing left to destroy, trump proved us wrong. You cannot screw things up this spectacularly by chance or human error. It takes a lifetime of effort and have it to be this incompetent. The writer says this could be the worst thing of trumps residency, reminding you it has barely been a year. Anchor inrush of, reportedly a new candidate is expected to face Vladimir Putin. Has beenthe candidate dubbed russias paris hilton, because she is a socialite. Local, raunchy version of big brother, and entertained the tabloids with a string of scandalous relationships. If anything, her star appeal is sure to energize what would otherwise be a predictable election. Hat is what the independent says. Ksenia sobchak describes herself as a candidate against all other candidates, but comes from somewhat political royalty. Her father was a man who gave Vladimir Putin his first job in politics. Some say putin might be her godfather. In 2011made headlines when she attended antiputin protests. It is not clear where she stands politically. Politico says some kremlin critics are suspicious about this bid. They wonder whether she might be there to run interference for Vladimir Putin and take votes away from other opposition leaders. Not think she is deemed a serious threat to Vladimir Putin. A medical breakthrough. Frfrench scientists have made a signgnificant discovery in the course in dyslexia. Says is e monde he at affects some hundred Million People around the world. It is a widespread disorder. French leaders think they have linked it to a malformation in a miniscule part of the eye. They have compared people with and without dyslexia, and among the dyslexic people, they found in this miniscule zone of the eye, part is asymmetrical. There is no dominant eye through which the brain can send messages. Hence the reason dyslexic people often are confused when they look at written words or jumbled up numbers and words. They are proposing a special lamp that could combat difficulties in reading, and say it could be diagnosed with an easy eye test. Science news,ore it seems researchers at the university of manchester have made an amazing discovery about dolphins. Tell us more. Analyst dolphins are very close to humans, extremely intelligent animals. They might have the gift of gab, or the gift of gossip. Researchers at Manchester University have observed that they use individual signature whistles to greet each other. What is fascinating is that these calls are referring to a particular individual, used in the absence of that individual, suggesting dolphins may be gossiping about other dolphins find each others backs. Drawback is that dolphins hear chatter from other dolphins up to eight kilometers away, given that dolphins move around at the same speed. They have to wait an hour for a dolphin to leave in order to Start Talking about that dolphin. Anchor maybe we will see dolphins in the newsroom. Thank you for the headlines. For more on todays latest, you can go to our website, france24. Com. That is it for now. Do stay tuned for more news coming up with me in a few minutes. Sami nonoi rocks plplayed ithis cocountry back in 83. It was a gig g that is still l hands dn the momost unforgettable concert in my carareer. In e sisixties, the beatles were looking for a new direction from the peninsula with guru maharishihi mahesh yoggi. And a thousand years ago, the ggypsies left t this land bebehd to spreread their musical treasures arounund the world. Chaos, harmony, spiritualism, modern times, the caste system, elephants, and nuclear weapons, old and new living in perfect harmony and utter c conflict. Ts is a culture of contrasts, the e adle oci