Catalonia's leader Carles Puigdemont

After a delay of more than three hours, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont will make his much-anticipated announcement at 1500 GMT on Thursday, the regional government said, amid speculation he will back down from independence.

Media reports say Puigdemont might dissolve parliament and announce fresh elections to prevent Spain seizing control of the wealthy northeastern region following an outlawed independence referendum.