Government formally demands that Regional Government of Catalonia "confirms if it has declared independence in Catalonia"

2017.10.11

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Moncloa Palace, Madrid

"Ladies and gentleman,

A very good day to you and thank you for attending this press briefing.

I appear here before you to report on the decision adopted by the Council of Ministers. As you are aware, this afternoon we will hold a plenary session in the Lower House of Parliament on the situation in Catalonia and we will discuss this matter in detail, however I feel it is appropriate to announce the government's position at this time.

This commitment to clarity is even more important given the confusion caused by the events we saw yesterday in the Regional Parliament of Catalonia.

This morning, the Council of Ministers agreed to formally demand that the Regional Government of Catalonia confirms whether it has declared independence in Catalonia or not, aside from the deliberate confusion caused regarding its entry into force.

This demand, prior to any measures that the government may adopt under the scope of Article 155 of our Constitution, seeks to offer our citizens the clarity and certainty required of an issue of such magnitude.

By adopting this decision today, the government wishes to offer certainty to the Spanish people, particularly to the people of Catalonia, and also seeks to avoid the manner of confusion caused by the authorities of the Regional Government of Catalonia on an issue that affects and concerns them so much.

The future of the events to unfold over the coming days will depend on the response that the President of the Regional Government of Catalonia gives to this demand. If Mr Puigdemont declares his intention to respect the law and re-establish institutional normality, then this would bring an end to a period of instability, tension and the break-down of co-existence.

That is what everyone wants and hopes for, and what we have been insistently requesting from him. This situation taking place in Catalonia must be brought to an urgent end; we need to see calm, certainty and tranquillity return as soon as possible.

In his response to the demand the government has agreed to make to him today, Mr Puigdemont will also have the opportunity to attend to the clamorous requests from so many sources made to him urging the recovery of harmonious co-existence and legal certainty in Catalonia.

For my part, I will continue to act, as I have to date, prudently and responsibly, and always taking into consideration the well-being and general interests of the people of Catalonia and of Spain as a whole".

Non official translation

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