Speaking from self-imposed exile in Brussels, Carles Puigdemont says the "Catalan republic" has beaten the Spanish state.
Mr Puigdemont's party won the second largest number of seats
Disputed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has declared victory for the pro-independence bloc in the regional election.
Although the anti-separatist Citizens Party won the most seats with 37, the pro-independence bloc of parties won a larger number combined.
Mr Puigdemont's party won the second largest number of seats with 34.
The other two pro-independence parties won 32 seats and four seats, which, combined with Mr Puigdemont's party, gives a total of 70, exceeding the 68 needed for an absolute majority.
Mr Puigdemont will need to hold negotiations with the other pro-separatist parties to see if they can form a coalition.
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Catalonia went to the polls after its government was dissolved by Madrid who deemed its declaration of independence in October "illegal".
Mr Puigdemont says Thursday's majority by separatist parties was a victory for the "Catalan republic" over the Spanish state, and said Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his allies "have lost".
The ousted Catalan leader was speaking from Brussels, where he went into self-imposed exile after his government was sacked by Mr Rajoy when he declared independence from Spain.
"This is a result which no one can dispute," Mr Puigdemont told supporters in Brussels.
"I think we have earned our right to be listened to."
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Mr Puigdemont said it was "a slap" for the Spanish PM, adding: "Rajoy has lost the mandate he sought."
The leader of the pro-Spanish party that won the most votes promised her party will continue to fight the region's separatists.
"The pro-secession forces can never again claim they speak for all of Catalonia," Ines Arrimadas said.
"We are going to keep fighting for a peaceful co-existence, common sense and for a Catalonia for all Catalans."
"Today we have sent a message to the world, that the majority of Catalans feel Catalan, Spanish and European and will continue to do so," she added.
