Danish MPs express ‘deep concern’ over ‘critical’ situation in Catalonia

Elected members of the Danish Parliament, the Foketinget, have expressed their “deep concern” over the situation in Catalonia, which they consider to have reached “a critical point”. “We call on the Spanish government to play a constructive role and encourage political dialogue, at once,” they said in a letter sent to the Spanish government and Parliament, and also to the Danish and Catalan chambers.

The MPs, from seven different political groups, said in the letter that they “do not understand why the Spanish authorities are not reacting” to Catalonia’s demand for a referendum and “why there is no willingness to engage in a dialogue and try to address this political problem.”

“In a democracy, threats and judiciary and legal responses are not the solution,” said the Danish deputies, adding that “politicians, not judges or police forces, should primarily deal with political tensions in any European democratic country.”

In the letter, the Danish representatives criticize the “repressive actions of the past few days” taken by Spain to stop the referendum as well as the “increasing threats to civil servants, MPs, mayors, media, companies and citizens.” “As MPs representing a democratic country, we are increasingly puzzled and concerned about the apparent lack of political skills in addressing what is, essentially, a political challenge,” the letter read.

The MPs finish their appeal asking Spain and Catalonia to “engage, as soon as possible, in a political dialogue” as the only way to “soften tensions and accompany transformations.” “Agreement and good collaboration will be the only possible outcome,” they conclude.