Catalonia's vice president has heaped pressure on Madrid the day before a crucial deadline, saying there are "no other options" but independence.

Oriol Junqueras said his party would "work toward building a republic because we understand that there is a democratic mandate to establish such a republic".

The official, who is second in seniority behind the president of the normally autonomous region, insisted he was speaking only on behalf of his Republican Left party and not for the regional government.

He told AP: "The Spanish government is giving us no other option than to defend the civil rights and citizens' rights through the best tools that our institutions have."

Image: Carles Puigdemont has attacked Mariano Rajoy's move to remove Catalan autonomy

On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced he was approving the implementation of the previously unused Article 155 of the country's constitution to assume control of the region to thwart secession attempts.


Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont described the move as the "worst attack against the institutions and the people of Catalonia since the military dictatorship of Francisco Franco".

Mr Rajoy's announcement came after Mr Puigdemont fell short of unilaterally declaring independence following a disputed referendum that backed separation but was declared illegal.

No perdrem el temps amb aquells que ja han decidit arrasar l'autogovern de Catalunya. Seguim! #CatalanRepublic A post shared by Carles Puigdemont (@carlespuigdemont) on Oct 25, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

A Spanish senate debate to discuss Mr Rajoy's attempt to sack the regional government is scheduled for tomorrow but a spokesman for the regional government confirmed that Mr Puigdemont will not attend because Madrid had already announced its plans.

Mr Puigdemont remained defiant on social media on Wednesday, posting: "We will not lose time with those who have already decided to crush Catalan self-government. Onwards!"

Mr Junqueras also spoke about the pressure being put on the region's economy by central government after businesses, including the bank Caixaban, decided to transfer their legal base away from Barcelona.

Image: Hundreds have taken part in protests both for and against independence

He said: "There is no democracy that receives the attacks that we are receiving."

"It is such an abnormal situation, with such great aggressiveness that is creating an unusual scenario in Europe."

:: What will invoking Article 155 mean for Catalonia - and Spain?

It followed the regional government "welcoming" a statement by the United Nations (UN) independent expert Alfred de Zayas, who called for independent monitors to observe a new poll.

Will Catalonia create a domino effect?

He said: "The only democratic solution to the current impasse is to suspend repressive measures and to organise a referendum so as to determine the true wishes of the population concerned.

"Such a referendum should be monitored by the EU, OSCE and private observers including the Carter Center."