FRANKFURT — Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has upped the ante in a constitutional and political crisis in Spain after he declared that he will end Catalonia’s autonomy and reinstitute direct Spanish rule over the wealthy region. His move comes three weeks after Catalans (at least those who chose to participate) voted overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum which Spanish authorities deemed illegal.

While Rajoy may be correct under terms of the constitution, he is a hypocrite. Simply put, Spain is getting a taste of its own medicine.