Key events since Catalonia independence vote

MADRID: Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is to make a highly-anticipated address to the regional parliament Tuesday following a disputed independence referendum that has plunged Spain into a deep political crisis.

Here is how events unfolded:

October 1: Violence-hit referendum 

After days of rising tensions, thousands of Catalans line up to vote in the referendum, despite it being declared illegal by the Spanish courts and the central government.

Spanish riot police try to block the vote, forcing their way into polling stations to seize ballot boxes and voting material.

Shocking footage emerges of police charging crowds at some stations, using batons and rubber bullets and roughing up voters -- sometimes elderly.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says "the citizens of Catalonia have won the right to an independent state in the form of a republic".

But Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists: "There has not been a self-determination referendum in Catalonia. The rule of law remains in force with all its strength."

October 2: International concern 

The Catalan government claims 90 percent of voters backed independence on turnout of 42.3 percent, with parties opposed boycotting the vote.

The European Commission calls on Madrid and the separatists to hold a dialogue, while the United Nations urges Spain to investigate the violence.

Puigdemont demands the withdrawal of national police from Catalonia and calls for international mediation.

Several thousand people march in Barcelona and other Catalan towns to defend the referendum and denounce police violence.

October 3: General strike and king's speech 

A general strike called by more than 40 unions, political and social groups, disrupts Barcelona's port, transport and some businesses. Up to 700,000 people demonstrate in the Catalan capital.

King Felipe VI accuses Catalan leaders in a televised address of threatening Spain's stability and urges the state to defend "constitutional order".

 October 4: Towards an independence declaration? 

Puigdemont says his government is preparing to proclaim independence, perhaps at "the end of the week".

The Madrid stock market tumbles as rattled investors dump Spanish shares.

October 5: Economic anxiety 

Spain's Constitutional Court orders the suspension of the planned Catalan parliament session.

Banco Sabadell, Catalonia's second largest bank, announces it will relocate its offices outside the region. Several other companies follow suit.

October 6: Easing tensions? 

Puigdemont delays an appearance in the regional parliament until Tuesday.

Madrid's Catalan representative apologises for the first time for the police violence during the vote.

In Madrid, pro-independence leaders are released after facing court on sedition accusations.

October 7: March for dialogue 

Tens of thousands of people, some dressed in white, demonstrate in several Spanish cities, as well as the Basque Country, demanding dialogue to resolve the crisis.

In a newspaper interview, Rajoy refuses to rule out suspending Catalonia's regional autonomy unless its leaders withdraw the threatened independence declaration.

 October 8: Barcelona unity protest 

More than 350,000 people, according to local police, march in Barcelona to defend a united Spain while organisers put turnout at up to 950,000.

Puigdemont hints that the region would declare independence if Madrid continues to refuse dialogue.

"The days are going by and if the Spanish state does not give a positive response, we will do what we set out to do," he tells Catalan television.

October 10: Declaration of independence? 

There is speculation Puigdemont may announce a unilateral declaration of independence in the regional parliament in Barcelona.

The Spanish government warns him not to do anything "irreversible".