Several major roads and some rail lines in Catalonia have been blocked by pro-independence activists protesting against the detention of the region's deposed leaders. <br/><br/>Separatist trade unions have called for a general strike but it has not been backed by the major unions. Despite transport delays, shops and businesses appear to be open as normal. <br/><br/>Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has called for a big turnout in the snap election so that Spain can get over the crisis. In a speech to Parliament, he defended imposing direct rule on Catalonia following its unilateral declaration of independence, and calling an election on the 21st of next month.<br/><br/><br/>