Catalan and Spanish presidents should meet 'immediately,' says Puigdemont

In radio interview, deposed president also criticized leader of opposition for refusing to meet with new president Quim Torra

Puigdemont alongside new Catalan president (Quim Torra) in Germany in May (by Tània Tapia)
Puigdemont alongside new Catalan president (Quim Torra) in Germany in May (by Tània Tapia) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

June 8, 2018 10:41 AM

The leader of Junts per Catalunya (JxCat) and former president of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont has stated that the new Spanish government of Pedro Sánchez “has created expectations beyond its possibilities.”

In an interview with the Catalan radio station Rac1 on Friday morning, the deposed Catalan leader also pointed out that the end of the application of Article 155 and Madrid’s direct rule in the country was “very good news.”

He also said that Sánchez and his Catalan counterpart Quim Torra should meet “immediately,” adding that this would, “without doubt,” be celebrated throughout Europe.

Puigdemont also criticized the head of the opposition in Catalonia, Inés Arrimadas, for being “irresponsible,” having refused to meet with Torra on Friday.

In his opinion, the leader of Ciutadans has done a “weak favour” to her voters with this decision.

Torra had asked  Arrimadas to meet on Friday at 10am, but she said that she won't do so unless the government removes from its balcony a yellow ribbon in solidarity with Catalan politicians in jail or exile.