Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has this Monday emphasised the profound division between the pro-independence Catalan parties. As an example, he cites the fact that they haven't even agreed together on the hunger strike, alluding to the fact that none of the imprisoned ERC politicians are taking part.
He was speaking informally with journalists at Christmas drinks he was holding at the Moncloa government palace. He also stressed that it's his duty to maintain a relationship that's as normalised as possible with Catalan president Quim Torra, despite him not being the best interlocutor in Catalonia.
Sánchez still hasn't decided if he will attend the dinner this Thursday, organised by Foment del Treball, the largest Catalan business association, on the eve of his cabinet meeting in Barcelona. A handful of economics ministers from his government are to attend at least.
Nor did he confirm if in the end he will have a meeting with Torra or not whilst in Barcelona, like the one he had with the president of Andalusia, Susana Díaz, when the cabinet met in Seville. He said it's up to Torra, because he's ready to meet.