Within days Catalonia will become independent, warns the president (Video)

Carles Puigdemont told the BBC that it would be “a mistake that changes everything”, if the Spanish government took over the region's administration, even though he admitted there was no contact with official Madrid. The central government has described the referendum as illegal, reports The Independent”, broadcast Periscopi.

Appealing for international mediation to help resolve the crisis, he told the organisation he disagreed with the European Commission's statement that it was an internal issue for Spain.

Speaking just before a severe attack on Catalonian politicians by Spain's King Felipe, Puigdemont said his government would be “doing so at the end of this week or the next start”.

In a rare nationwide speech King Felipe launched a fierce attack by the pro-independence regional government of Catalonia, accusing separatists of “breaking democratic principles” and trying to divide Spain.

“Thanks to their irresponsible behaviour, the [Catalanian] authorities have endangered the social identity of Catalonia and all of Spain”, he said.

“They have shown disregard for the love and feelings of solidarity they have united and will unite all Spaniards”, he added.

He then underlined the non-precedented commitment to the Spanish constitution and the unification of Spain”.

But he stressed that Spain “would overcome this difficult time”./Periscopi/