Carles Puigdemont during his recorded message. JORDI BEDMAR EFE

Speaking via a recorded message broadcast on regional channel TV-3 on Saturday, former leader of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont called for peaceful “democratic opposition” to the central government's takeover of the region following its unilateral declaration of independence from Spain.

“It's very clear that the best form of defending the gains made up until now is democratic opposition to Article 155,” Puigdemont said. But he was vague on precisely what steps the secessionists would take as the national authorities are moving into Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia to enforce control.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday removed Puigdemont, took over the administration of the autonomous region and called a new election on December 21.

Rajoy delegated vice premier Sáenz de Santamaría to lead the intervention in Catalonia, and gave her the control of the Center for Telecommunications and Information Technology.

European countries and United States have rejected the Catalan declaration and expressed support for Spain's unity.