BARCELONA — Catalonia’s president is facing a critical decision that could determine the course of the region’s movement to break away from Spain. The Spanish government has given Carles Puigdemont until Monday morning to clarify if he did or didn’t actually declare independence earlier this week.

Puigdemont told Catalan lawmakers Tuesday that he had ‘‘accepted’’ a mandate for independence based on the results of a disputed referendum, but that he wanted Parliament to delay its implementation ‘‘for a few weeks’’ to give one last chance to open negotiations with Spain.

If Puigdemont replies ‘‘yes’’ to Madrid on Monday, then Spain’s government has given him until Thursday to back down or else Catalonia’s ample self-rule could be temporarily suspended.

But if Puigdemont replies ‘‘no,’’ he will probably face rebellion from hard-liners inside the secessionist camp which could topple his government.

Associated Press