Puigdemont, in Denmark: ‘We will not surrender to authoritarism’

  • The Catalan president leaves Belgium after three months to participate in a University of Copenhagen debate on Catalan politics

VilaWeb
Redacció
22.01.2018 - 16:27
Actualització: 22.01.2018 - 21:53

Carles Puigdemont said on Monday that the final outcome of the political deadlock in Catalonia ‘is as crucial for the future of the European Union as Brexit.’ Speaking at a debate at the University of Copenhagen, the Catalan president accused the EU of holding different countries to a double standard when it comes to the breach of democratic principles. ‘How is it possible that the EU treats Spain and Poland so differently?’ he asked.

Puigdemont’s conference came amid high expectation, as it marks the first time he’s travelled outside Belgium since late October, when he left Catalonia after the Spanish government dismissed him for a declaration of independence. The Spanish prosecutor asked the Supreme Court to issue an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont, but it was turned down.

The pro-independence leader repeatedly called on the EU to change its stance on Catalonia, which so far has consisted of backing the Spanish government and dismissing independence claims as an internal issue. ‘We are still pro-European, but we cannot, of course, turn a blind eye to [the EU’s] failures,’ he said, and added that ‘we want more integration, but only if it is a link to more democracy.’

At the debate, Puigdemont praised Denmark for recognizing the right to self-determination to its own regions, such as the Faroe Islands. He urged the EU to ‘follow the Danish example’ and recognize Catalonia’s right to self-determination, too.

The Catalan leader drew several parallels between Catalonia and Denmark, which he defined as ‘two small nations that survived all historical vicissitudes.’ Puigdemont said that just like Denmark is considered to be the most Southern country of Scandinavia, Catalonia is a Northern country among Mediterranean states.

A referendum at the Spanish level
Puigdemont also opened the door to holding a referendum on independence at the Spanish level. ‘Nobody has suggested a vote for all Spain, it could be a solution, or a starting point for a proposal,’ he said, while criticizing the Spanish president Mariano Rajoy for refusing to open discussions: ‘In democracy, the right to not discuss does not exist.’

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