Anti Independence Protesters to Host Rally in Barcelona

Anti Independence Protesters to Host Rally in Barcelona

The anti-independence rally is scheduled for midday and carries the slogan “We are all Catalonia. Common sense for co-existence!”

Anti-independence protesters gather to march in the streets of Spain in support of the government's desire for Catalonia to remain a part the European country.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Barcelona for the pro-unity demonstration.

Protestors, some outfitted with Spanish flags donned as capes, filled one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares, complemented by others displaying white banners with the flags of Catalonia, Spain and the European Union.

The rally is scheduled for midday and bears the slogan “We are all Catalonia. Common sense for co-existence!”

Representatives from three Catalan opposition parties are expected to join the procession.

The pro-unity protests follow the declaration of independence by Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont and the triggering of article 155 by the Spanish government to tighten its grip on the northern region.

"It's very clear that the best form of defending the gains made up until now is democratic opposition to Article 155," Puigdemont, who could face up to 30 years in prison on 'rebellion' charges, said.

The Spanish government has however said it would welcome the former Catalan president's participation in the new elections.

Puigdemont earlier accused Madrid of infringing on the will of independence-seeking Catalans.

The ex-president said the Spanish government's intervention was "contrary to the will expressed by the citizens of our country.".

In an unprecedented move, Spanish Prime Minister (PM) Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Catalonia parliament, sacked the head of the police force and called for new elections for Dec. 21.

Deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria was put in charge of the disputed region.

Pro-independence supporters celebrated after the Catalan parliament formally declared independence on Friday. Catalans highlighted that their contributions to the Spanish economy superseded any benefits they have received in return.

The Spanish government's hardline approach towards the Catalan region aims to dissuade similar referendums from Galicia and the Basque country.

Far-left supporters of Puigdemont have threatened "mass civil disobedience," in response to the Spanish government reclaiming rule of Catalonia, but have yet to reveal any concrete plans.