The head of government in Catalonia has angered Madrid by using his National day speech to call for ‘more justice and liberty’ for the autonomous region of Spain.

September 11 marks the annual celebration of the region’s individuality but this year Catalonia President Artur Mas has gone further, inciting calls for fiscal independence and much more from central government.

“Tomorrow, many compatriots will demonstrate in Barcelona. My heart will be with you because ultimately, whether you are demanding a fiscal pact, our own State, the respect we deserve as the peaceful and democratic nation that we are, or for our dignity, all your voices will be raised in the same direction: for more justice and more freedom for Catalonia.”

Last year Catalonia held an independence referendum which won approval from over 90 per cent of those who voted. But recently it also asked for a five bn euro bailout from Madrid.