Spanish newspaper El Pais is reporting that the Spanish government is planning to maintain control over Catalonia.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was reported to have made the plans after Catalonia's new leader Quim Torra nominated imprisoned and exiled politicians to join his cabinet.
Most of Torra's picks are either in jail awaiting trial or in self-imposed exile for their part in Catalonia's independence drive, which has been deemed illegal by Madrid.
Rajoy has said he would return direct rule to the region if it forms a full and legal government.
Madrid released a statement over the weekend saying it would analyze the viability of the new Catalan government, which must be ratified by Madrid before it can take power, given the legal status of some of the proposed candidates.
