Independence topic raised in European Commission president debate
European Free Alliance calls on candidate to be an “honest broker,” while People’s Party “sure” on unity
esteban gonzález pons
Spanish government confirms no EU veto for an independent Scotland
People’s Party members claimed veto for fear of emboldening Catalan and Basque independence movements
No Spanish judge would 'dare' protect a German acting against 'constitutional order', says MEP
In a letter to the European Parliament, Esteban González Pons warns "something is not working” if a local German judge can overrule Spain’s Supreme Court
Spain's PP urges Estonia to show "determination" against Catalan independence
The Spanish MEP Esteban González Pons asked the Estonian government to stand firm against Catalan independence
Rajoy’s PP meets in Barcelona and strongly criticizes independence plans
The People’s Party (PP), which runs the Spanish Government but is only the 4th largest group at the Catalan Parliament, has organized two days of debate in Barcelona on local governments and good governance. The main leaders of the party are coming to Catalonia, including the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, who will close the debate on Saturday. Rajoy’s speech has been greatly publicised as he will visit Catalonia for the first time after November 9’s symbolic vote on independence. Rajoy himself has raised expectations, as he said “he will talk to Catalans” in this restrictive party meeting. In fact, on Friday, the PP insisted on representing “all the Catalans who did no vote on November 9”, therefore excluding the citizens who voted. The PP’s ‘number 2’, Maria Dolores de Cospedal, accused the President of the Catalan Government of being a “ pre-made myth” and insisted that her party “loves Catalonia”, and will continue to “help Catalans” despite “the independence challenge”.
Public Prosecution Director might not file complaint against Catalan President over independence vote
After days of controversy, the Director of Spain's Public Prosecution Office, Eduardo Torres-Dulce, suggested that a judicial complaint against the President of the Catalan Government, Artur Mas, might not be filed because the case "is already at court". The People's Party (PP), which runs the Spanish Government, had announced that the Public Prosecution Office would file a complaint against Mas and some Catalan Ministers for having authorised November 9's symbolic vote on independence. Such an announcement seriously questions the separation of powers in Spain. On top of this, several Catalonia-based prosecutors protested over the Spanish Government's pressures. Torres-Dulce, who is appointed by the Spanish Government, decided to wait and meet on Wednesday with his delegate in Catalonia. They agreed to further analyse the case and make the decision in Catalonia. Such a legal step against Mas could provoke a boomerang effect against Madrid, mobilising a wide part of Catalonia's society.