Independence decision day looms for Catalan leader

BARCELONA — Spain watched nervously yesterday as the clock ticked down on a deadline for Catalonia's separatist president to decide if he wants to push ahead with independence despite international pleas for unity and dire economic warnings.

Carles Puigdemont last week said he was ready for Catalonia to "become an independent state" following an independence referendum on October 1 that went ahead despite a court ban.

But he immediately said he was suspending secession to allow time for negotiations with Madrid.

His ambiguous announcement fell far short of satisfying Puigdemont's separatist allies, who are agitating for an immediate break from Spain, and received short shrift in Madrid.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gave Puigdemont until 10am (0800 GMT) Monday morning to clarify whether or not he declared independence, and said the central government was ready to take direct control of the region unless he backs down.

If he pushes ahead, Puigdemont will have a three-day grace period, until Thursday, to change his mind.

Anything less than a full climb-down will likely see Madrid start to suspend Catalan autonomy — an untested move many fear could lead to unrest.

European Union officials are keeping a close eye on developments amid fears that Catalan independence could put further strain on the bloc as it grapples with Britain's shock decision to leave.

Catalan regional television TV3 reported that Puigdemont would not give a "yes or no" answer on independence on Monday and would instead give Madrid a "more elaborate" response.