In an impassioned address, Spain's prime minister has urged the country's Senate to grant special constitutional measures that would allow the central government to take control of Catalonia's autonomous powers to try to halt the region's independence bid.
Mariano Rajoy, who received rapturous applause before and after his speech, told the chamber that Spain is facing a challenge not seen in its recent history.
He said what is happening in Catalonia is "a clear violation of the laws, of democracy, of the rights of all, and that has consequences."
Rajoy said that the government's first move would be to dismiss Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his ministers if the Senate approves the Spanish government's use of Article 155 of the Constitution in a vote later on Friday.
Rajoy said that the special measures were the only way out of the crisis, and that Spain isn't trying to take away liberties from Catalans but instead protect them.
Catalonia's regional parliament is also expected to hold a special session. The Catalan government rejects the moves by Spain's government and there is speculation the regional parliament may actually take the step of declaring independence later in the day.
It will be the first time in four decades of democratic rule that the Madrid-based national government would directly run the affairs of one of Spain's 17 semi-autonomous regions, a move that will likely fan the flames of the Catalan revolt.
Rajoy says the measures are aimed at restoring order and has promised to call a new regional election once that is achieved.
Puigdemont scrapped hopes of a possible end to the political deadlock on Thursday when he opted not to call an early election himself and halt the drift toward independence.
The parliamentary sessions in Madrid and Barcelona are likely to last several hours before each votes on their resolutions.
