What Catalonia does the new Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, want? That's the question from the new president of Catalonia, Quim Torra. "I'd like Sánchez to explain to me what plans he has for Catalonia", he said this morning, just after visiting the Catalan political prisoners in Estremera prison near Madrid.
"It's urgent that we should meet and that Catalonia should find out if we're facing the PSOE which decriminalised the referendum or which supported [article] 155", said the president, who confirmed that he had spoken to the Spanish prime minister and they had agreed to meet as soon as possible.
Outside the jail, Torra attacked the Spanish justice system: "The problem isn't about the independence movement, it's about Spanish justice". He asked if the state "wants justice to be done or only wants to teach a lesson". Addressing himself to Sánchez, he went as far as asking him if he believes Puigdemont's government committed the crime of rebellion.
Photo: Efe
At the same time, president Torra announced that the authorisations for the new ministers to exchange portfolios are in progress. He thanked the interior ministry for their work helping towards the hand over. "I thank [them for] their decision to facilitate the creation of the government", he said, in a conciliatory tone.
Second visit in 15 days
The president this morning visited the Catalan ministers imprisoned in Estremera prison near Madrid. It was his second meeting in 15 days with former vice president Oriol Junqueras and ministers Jordi Turull, Joaquim Forn, Josep Rull and Raül Romeva, who Torra promised to restore to office when possible.
Torra's visit comes two days after his new government took their oaths of office.