A few hours after Catalan political chief Artur Mas unveiled the date and wording of the poll, the Spanish leader refused even to countenance a break-up of the nation.
"It is unconstitutional and it will not take place," Rajoy told a news conference.
"This initiative collides head-on with the foundation of the constitution which is the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation," the conservative prime minister said.
Mas' governing alliance and other nationalist parties in the region had agreed to put two questions to voters next year:
– "If yes, do you want that State to be independent, yes or no?"
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