Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has delayed making his statement until 1230 GMT on Thursday, the regional government said, as discontent mounts among independence supporters in Barcelona over reports he is poised to call elections.

Two Catalan separatist lawmakers resigned over the reports which also say he will renounce declaring independence, and students and activists protested in Barcelona. However, there is as yet no official confirmation that is what Puigdemont will announce.