Catalonia vs Spain: What lies ahead?

Political tensions are escalating significantly in Catalonia since the regional government went ahead with an independence referendum on October 1, which the Spanish authorities have deemed 'unconstitutional' and 'illegal'. (Source: AP)

Leaders looking to fix the growing unrest in the region have called for dialogues with the Spanish government regarding the future of Catalonia. (Source: Reuters)

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont on Tuesday said that he has accepted the "mandate of the people" who are looking forward to the regions's autonomy. However, in order to allow more time for talks with the Spanish government the declaration has been temporarily suspended. (Source: Reuters)

In response to Carles Puigdemont's negotiation dialogues with the Spanish government, Leftist CUP party member Anna Gabriel was quoted by news agency Reyters on Wednesday saying: "You say we are suspending the effects because we are going to negotiation and mediation. Negotiation and mediation with whom? With a Spanish state that continues to harass and persecute us?” (Source: Reuters)

Independence supporters watched Puigdemont’s speech on large screens outside the 18th-century parliament building. (Source: AP)

Recent polls have indicated that Catalans are split on independence, though leaders warned the violence during the referendum turned many against the state authorities. (Source: Reuters)

Commenting on the referendum, the Catalan government claimed that 90 per cent voters have backed region's breakdown from Spain. (Source: Reuters)

Officers of the Spanish National Police guard the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain, October 10, 2017. (Source: Reuters)

Spanish National Police officer guards the Catalonian regional parliament in Barcelona, Spain. (Source: Reuters)

Demonstrators demanding for independence films officers of the Spanish National Police outside the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona. (Source: Reuters)