He accused Rajoy of the worst tactics since Franco. Even the Mayor of Barcelona, who does not want independence points a finger at Rajoy. Puigdemont pledges peaceful resistance.

The Independent reports Carles Puigdemont Accuses Spanish Government of 'Worst Attacks' Since Franco Dictatorship.

"What we decide through voting is to be wiped out by the government in their offices," said Puigdemont. The Catalan parliament will hold an emergency session on "this attempt to destroy our autonomous government, our democracy".

Widely believed rumors suggest the Catalan parliament will announce independence as soon as the Spanish Senate approves Rajoy's Article 155 declaration.

Rajoy's heavy handed tactics backfired.