Region may declare independence today

Spanish leader vows the country ‘will not be divided.’

BARCELONA, SPAIN — The focus of the deepening clash between Catalan separatists and Spanish authorities is shifting to the regional parliament for a key session likely to include a historic declaration of independence that Spain has pledged to crush.

Catalan president Carles Puigdemont hasn’t revealed the precise message he will deliver this evening with separatist politicians expecting some sort of declaration based on the results of the disputed Oct. 1 referendum on independence.

At stake is the territorial integrity of Spain, threatened by a growing separatist movement that is sorely testing the strength of its constitution and the skill of its national and regional leaders.

Some expect a strictly symbolic declaration, while others believe a risky fullscale break with Spain will be attempted, even as Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vows he will use all lawful means to keep Spain intact.

The Spanish leader has said he is willing to use a constitutional clause that allows Madrid to take over direct control of regions if they violate Spain’s constitution — a move that could apply in this case because Spain’s constitutional court had suspended the referendum.

Its results are therefore considered invalid under Spanish law.

“Spain will not be divided and the national unity will be preserved. We will do everything that legislation allows us to ensure this,” Rajoy told German newspaper Die Welt. “We will prevent this independence from taking place.”

Puigdemont’s embrace of independence may be slowed by the decision of several major banks and businesses to move their headquarters out of Catalonia because they want to remain under the European Union’s regulatory umbrella, and also by the bloc’s backing of Spain despite a police crackdown on people trying to vote in the referendum.

Separatist politicians say there will be a declaration of independence for the northeastern region of 7.5 million people during today’s session, although some ruling coalition lawmakers say the move could be simply “symbolic.”

The Oct. 1 referendum vote has been followed by mass protests of Catalans angered by heavy-handed police tactics.

But there also have been well-organized, large-scale demonstrations in both Catalonia and Madrid by people committed to keeping Spain intact.

JEFF J. MITCHELL / GETTY Supporters of unity in Spain march through Barcelona on Sunday in response to last week’s disputed referendum on Catalan independence. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is expected to declare the region’s independence.