MADRID (AP) — Barcelona's new leftist mayor is facing criticism for removing a bust of former King Juan Carlos from the town hall.

The highly political gesture reflects increasing differences between Spain's national government in Madrid and the powerful region of Catalonia, whose capital is Barcelona.

Mayor Ada Colau removed the bust Thursday, saying the law stipulates there should be an image of the head of state in the chamber and Juan Carlos no longer holds that position.

Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria countered Friday that if Barcelona needed an image of new King Felipe VI — Juan Carlos' son— the government will gladly provide one.

Colau, who supports the Catalan regional government's push for independence from Spain, said she'll seek consensus on a solution.