The decision by Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell to oppose the Catalan government's international policy at every turn seems a firm one. The Spanish government has set underway an offensive against the Catalan delegations abroad and informed the relevant local authorities that they are being challenged before the Spanish courts.
Specifically, the ministry has communicated this to authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France. These countries host the first delegations that were reopened by the previous Catalan foreign minister, Ernest Maragall, following the end of central government intervention in Catalonia.
Responding to a question from deputy Fernando Maura (Cs), the government announced its messages to the foreign officials. The appeal is based on claims the offices haven't complied with the law on international action. The government adds that they're "following with great attention the activities of the said delegations".
Maragall at the reopening of the delegation in Italy. Photo: ACN
The appeal against the opening of the offices is based on a formality: the Spanish government wasn't informed of the plans with time for the foreign affairs, treasury and territorial policy ministries to produce the non-binding reports the law says are required.
The Catalan government gave 24 hours' notice of the reopening of the offices before it was published in its official gazette. This sparked a spat between the governments. Maragall emphasised it was a "reopening" of offices that had been closed through central government intervention in Catalonia.