In the northeastern region of Spain, the region known as Catalonia- an area of Spain with its own laws, customs and language- is trying to break away from Spain in its latest bid for independence. Previously, Catalonia was its own country, but it was conquered by Spain in the 12th century with a royal marriage between Petronilia, Queen of Aragon and Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona. The culture has remained distinct, and calls for independence have surfaced and been rejected by the Spanish Government previously in 2006, overruling Catalan autotomy. These feelings were only increased by Spain’s recent economic crisis, leaving Barcelona relatively wealthy and the rest of Spain poor.

“History should not be repeated,” Pablo Casado of the People’s Party, the party currently in charge of Spain (but completely overruled in Catalonia) said.

These sentiments were echoed by Spain’s prime minister, who warned that if attempts to secede continued, Carles Puigdemont, independence advocate and Catalonian president, could face charges. Meanwhile, Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Spanish interior minister, softened the message, recommending peaceful talks and negotiation rather than simply breaking apart.

“Outside the law, there is no possible dialogue and only confrontation, which we have advised against since the very first minute,” Zoido said.

On the day of a referendum for the vote, which Puigdemont says showed that Catalonians overwhelmingly want independence, Spanish police and officials cracked down on the region and attempted to halt voting, leaving hundreds injured and dozens dead. Puigdemont is scheduled to speak Tuesday, which will definitively show whether he still plans to continue along the course for independence despite the risk that Madrid warned him of. A spokesman for the Catalan government declined to comment, stating that everything will become “perfectly clear” on Tuesday, Oct. 10 when Puigdemont addresses the Catalan Parliament in what many anticipate will be a declaration of independence.

That Tuesday at the Catalan Parliament, Catalan police sealed off the building to protect those inside as both the opposing and supporting parties entered the building. While those from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s party muttered about the “madness” of the quest for independence, those from Puigdemont’s party were hopeful for the future.

“This is historic for not only the pro-independence movement but also all people who love this country” lawmaker in Puidgemont’s party Marta Pascal said.

Prime Minister Rajoy also asked to speak in front of the Spanish Parliament Wednesday, Oct. 11.