Catalan separatist parties filed a resolution in the regional parliament Friday in which they declare independence from Spain, a spokesman for Catalonia's ruling coalition said, as Madrid readies to take control of the region.

"We declare Catalonia an independent state in the form of a republic," reads the start of the proposed resolution crafted by separatist lawmakers, which hold a majority in the regional parliament that may later proceed to a vote, said the "Together for Yes" coalition spokesman.