Catalonia delays vote to re-elect Carles Puigdemont as president
Postponement causes ‘schism’ in separatist movement
Catalonia called off a parliamentary vote to elect a new president today amid confusion about the eligibility of exiled leader Carles Puigdemont.
Puigdemont has been in Brussels since October, when a push to declare Catalonia’s independence from Spain saw national police deployed to the restive region - forcing separatist leaders to flee or face charges of sedition.
Catalonia’s parliamentary speaker, Roger Torrent, has dismissed Madrid’s call for a “clean” new candidate, reports Germany’s Deutsche Welle. But his decision to postpone the investiture debate has caused a “schism” in the separatist movement, says Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Puigdemont’s party, Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia), accused Torrent, a member of the Catalan Republican Left, of acting unilaterally in postponing the parliamentary session.
If the Catalan parliament does try to appoint Puigdemont remotely, it will be in violation of the Spanish Constitution, says El Pais. Opposition groups in the chamber would be likely to boycott such a vote. Puigdemont could return to Spain and seek permission in the Supreme Court to attend the investiture vote, but it is a risky move that could land him in prison instead of parliament, the Spanish newspaper adds.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Oysters from New York's past could shore up its future
Under the Radar Project aims to seed a billion oysters in the city's waterways to improve water quality, fight coastal erosion and protect against storm surges
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 24, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - taped bananas, flying monkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Spanish cop, 20 million euros and 13 tonnes of cocaine
In the Spotlight Óscar Sánchez Gil, Chief Inspector of Spain's Economic and Tax Crimes Unit, has been arrested for drug trafficking
By The Week UK Published
-
The Spanish cop, 20 million euros and 13 tonnes of cocaine
In the Spotlight Óscar Sánchez Gil, Chief Inspector of Spain's Economic and Tax Crimes Unit, has been arrested for drug trafficking
By The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published