Catalan leader steps back from declaring independence
EU nations are watching developments closely amid concern that Catalan independence could put further pressure on the bloc
Barcelona — Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said Tuesday he had accepted the “mandate of the people” for his region’s independence from Spain but suspended the declaration to allow more time for talks with Madrid. In a speech to regional lawmakers in Barcelona, Puigdemont stopped short of declaring an outright split but left the door to secession open, leaving some political rivals scratching their heads. “I assume the mandate of the people for Catalonia to become an independent republic,” he said. But the 54-year-old asked the Catalan parliament to “suspend the effects of the independence declaration to initiate dialogue in the coming weeks”. The central government fired back, with a spokesman rejecting what Madrid termed Catalonia’s “tacit” independence declaration. Political leaders in Catalonia, Spain and Europe have come out against an independence declaration, concerned over the country’s biggest upheaval since its transition to democracy in the 1970s. EU nations are watchin...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.