"The Parliament of Catalonia constitutes the Catalan Republic, as an independent, sovereign, democratic, social State under the rule of law,"

Catalan Government‏ tweeted.

The vote brought to a head a weeks-long standoff with Madrid that began with a disputed referendum on October 1, and came as the Spanish Senate approved the Madrid government's unprecedented plans to seize control of the autonomous region, CNN reported.

According to media reports, Spain is likely to take steps in the upcoming days to remove Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his ministers from office.

On Friday, lawmakers voted in secret in the Parliament.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted: "I ask peace of mind to all Spaniards. The rule of law will restore legality in Catalonia. MR."