Catalonia's bid for independence: Here's what has happened so far

PASSEIG DE LLUIS COMPANYS 14, BARCELONA, CATALONIA, SPAIN - 2017/09/27: A group of lawyers from the Supreme Court of Justice of Catalonia in favour of independence are seen holding A Catalonia flag while claiming helps from Europe for the upcoming referendum on 1st October, 2017. About 200 lawyers take part in a protest, front of the gates of the TSJC demanding courage to judges and prosecutors to "apply rights and justice without any political instruction", have said in the manifesto that they have read as lawyers have announced complaints against policemen on Sunday. (Photo by Ramon Costa/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Madrid-based Spanish Government on Friday triggered Article 155 to impose direct rule over the province of Catalonia.

The Spanish government also suspended the Catalan parliament with immediate effect and called for a fresh election on December 21.

Spain's reaction came just hours after the Catalan parliament proclaimed independence.

Here's how the Spain-Catalonia crisis developed over the weekend:

Catalonia declares independence

On Friday, the Catalan parliament unilaterally declared independence following a vote.

As many as 70 members of the regional parliament voted in favour of independence while 10 members opposed it. Two ballot papers (including that of the speaker) were blank.

Spain cracks down on Catalan government

Soon after the Catalan parliament declared independence, Spain's upper house took an unprecedented step of imposing direct Spanish rule over Catalonia, thereby ending Catalonia's autonomy.

Madrid sacked the Catalan government and called for fresh election to elect the Catalan government. The election is slated to happen on December 21.

Puigdemont calls for resistance

In a public address, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont called for non-violent resistance of imposition of Article 155 in a democratic and peaceful manner, “without violence, without insults, in an inclusive way, respecting people.”

Puigdemont criticised Madrid’s decision, calling it “contrary to the will expressed at the polls.”

Why did this happen?

Following the controversial October 1 referendum, Catalan president Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence. However, he delayed implementation of the same to allow negotiations with the Spanish government.

Spanish prime minister Rajoy announced plans to impose direct rule after Puigdemont failed to clarify his intentions within the deadline set by the Spanish government.

Catalonia is one of Spain's richest regions and already enjoys a high degree of administrative autonomy. However, many Catalans have historical grievances towards Spain.